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'Ozil could have done Modric's role' - Mertesacker calls Arsenal midfielder 'a top player'

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil could have grown into the role Luka Modric has taken on at Real Madrid if the playmaker had been given more time in the Spanish capital, according to ex-defender Per Mertesacker.

Ozil ended a three-year stint at Santiago Bernabeu in 2013 to join the Gunners, and has been heavily criticised for his work-rate and lack of consistency in the Premier League.

And Goal understands the north London club are now open to selling the former Germany international this summer due to his £350,000-a-week wages.

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Modric, however, who has been at Real since 2012, has gone on to become recognised as one of the world's best players in that time, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018.