Jack Wilshere says Mesut Ozil is the best player at Arsenal, suggesting his former club have made a big mistake in freezing him out.
Ozil hit out at the way in which he has been treated by the Gunners after learning he has not been named in the club's 25-man squad for the Premier League.
Arsenal's controversial decision has garnered reaction from a number of pundits and former professionals, and Wilshere is the latest to wade in on the argument.
Gary Lineker took to Twitter on Wednesday to write: "Every footballer wants to play. Not being able to, regardless of salary, is soul destroying."
Wilshere, who played alongside Ozil for years at Arsenal and knows exactly what he is capable of, responded: "Spot on Gary, especially when you are the best player!"
Ozil accused Arsenal of showing a lack of loyalty in a statement released on the same day.
"I'm really deeply disappointed by the fact that I've not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being," he wrote.
"Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated.
"As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays.
"I've always tried to remain positive from week to week that there's maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That's why I kept silent so far.
"Before the Coronavirus outbreak I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta - we've been on a positive way I would say my performances were on a really good level.
"But then things changed, again, and I was no longer allowed to play football for Arsenal."
Has Mesut Ozil played his final game for Arsenal? Have your say here.
* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip
