Arsenal are preparing for the return of the Premier League season, with Mikel Arteta's side travelling to Manchester City next week.
The Gunners have been training hard behind closed doors at their London Colney base since clubs allowed full contact sessions, and stepped up their efforts with a 6-0 friendly win over Charlton at the weekend.
Arteta used two XIs in the behind-closed-doors friendly at the Emirates, with Mesut Ozil starting in the first half.
Ozil's future at the Emirates has been uncertain for some time, with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
Since penning a new £350,000-a-week deal in January 2018, the playmaker's form has fluctuated, especially under former boss Unai Emery, who has since criticised the German's application and commitment in training.
But if Arsenal are to qualify for next season's Champions League, Arteta will need a fully-motivated and on-song Ozil for the remainder of the Gunners' games.
Tough fixtures await the north London side, including home games against Leicester and Liverpool, whilst there are still trips to Tottenham, Wolves and next week's clash against Man City to negotiate.
Off the pitch, Ozil's agent Erkut Sogut has already said that the midfielder will make a decision on his Arsenal future next year, but he won't be leaving the club this summer.
"Mesut has a one-year contract. There will be no change in this regard," Sogut told beIN Sport via Fanatik. "So what happens next, time will show.
"Mesut will be 32 years old and will have a few more years in his career. Mesut and his family will make a decision. It will be the best of all.
"I cannot speak about Mesut and Fenerbahce because I have no right to speak on this matter according to the principle of confidentiality."
With doubt over Ozil's future at Arsenal, one player who was touted as a potential long-term replacement for the World Cup winner at the Emirates was Hakim Ziyech.
Ziyech attracted attention from several clubs across Europe after standing out for Ajax in their excellent run to the Champions League semi-final last season.
He also impressed against Chelsea in the Champions League earlier this season, which persuaded the Blues to complete a £36.6 million deal for the playmaker in February and the player is due to officially complete his move next month.
And ahead of his move to west London, Ziyech previously praised Ozil's ability. In an old video during their Ajax days, Ziyech took part in a Q&A with then teammate Justin Kluivert, where he revealed that it was his 'dream' to play for Arsenal.
Asked which club he'd like to play for in the future, the playmaker responded: "Well, I have two clubs. They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream."
In the same sequence of questions, Ziyech was asked whether he has a footballing idol, and he said: "Yes, I actually do have one. [Mesut] Ozil."
When Kluivert joked if he is better than the German playmaker, Ziyech replied: "No, I’m not even close to Ozil’s level."
Arteta and Arsenal fans will be hoping that Ozil can live up to Ziyech's praise, and regain some of his old magic which made him one of the best playmakers in Europe.
