Former Arsenal player Paul Merson believes that the signing of Thomas Partey could have reinvigorated Mesut Ozil's career at the Emirates Stadium.
Partey has garnered plenty of praise for his performances in Arsenal colours since arriving from Atletico Madrid, with the Ghana international establishing himself as a key man in the heart of Mikel Arteta's midfield.
On the other hand, Ozil's future at Arsenal appears to be nonexistent after the 32-year-old was omitted from Arteta's Premier League and Europa League squads for the current campaign.
However, Merson is disappointed that Partey and Ozil may never link up on the pitch at the Emirates, telling Sky Sports News: "They've got that player now. Before you looked and you thought 'not good enough in midfield'.
"You've got Xhaka and whoever it might be playing with him. They haven't got that pass, and they play deep, and it's just workman-like.
"I can't speak highly enough of him. When they said Partey looks like he's going to Arsenal for £45m, I thought 'am I missing a trick here?'
"He could play for anyone, I look at Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool. I can't speak highly enough of him, it's an absolute steal for Arsenal.
"It's a shame that Ozil can't play because I think he opens up the space for Ozil."
Ozil looks to have played his final game in red and white as he runs down his Arsenal contract - which will expire next summer - but the former Real Madrid man has affirmed that he has no intention of leaving before then.
Ben Knapton
