Former Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny has admitted Mesut Ozil's situation at the club "was more complicated with Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta" than it was with Arsene Wenger.
The former Germany international was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads this season and, with his contract due to expire next summer, his time at the Emirates appears to be up.
Ozil's agent has hit out at the omission, claiming Arteta "failed to be fair, honest and transparent" about the decision and "should tell the truth that the Arsenal fans deserve".
Now, Koscielny has given his thoughts on Ozil's situation, describing the 32-year-old as 'always professional in training' and "a maestro".
"We’re both part of the 'Arsene Wenger Generation'", Koscielny told French outlet L'Equipe (via Sport Witness ). "The coach loved him as a player. It was more complicated with Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
"Knowing him, he must always be professional in training, always on time. He is undoubtedly at the level demanded by the Premier League.
"There is probably a certain case with the club since last year, I hope both sides find a deal that works for everyone. He is a competitor. I hope to see him back on the pitch soon, at Arsenal or elsewhere, because he is real talent.
"As a man, he’s a very good person, who got along with all his teammates. He gave a lot, helped sick children. He is a generous person, with whom I got along very well.
"As a player, he is in my opinion a phenomenon. He can find passes that no one sees, he’s a maestro. He can rock a game with incredible passes."
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson recently claimed Ozil is 'too talented' not to play for the Gunners again, telling Sky Sports: "I can’t see how it’s for footballing reasons.
"The lad is too talented, too good. For him not to get a place in this Arsenal team, it must be more than just football.
"He can make things happen. He was in Arteta’s team before the lockdown and everything went through him. He’s a special player and it’s a shame we won’t see him now."
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