Unai Emery insists Mesut Ozil remains an important player for Arsenal after the German complained that he has been made to feel like a scapegoat at the Emirates.
Ozil has made just two appearances so far this season, with his only minutes in the Premier League coming during the 2-2 draw at Watford last month.
The 31-year-old hasn’t even made the squad for the past three league games, despite being fit, with Emery stating that others were more deserving of an opportunity to impress.
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That has led to suggestions that Ozil - the highest paid player at Arsenal - could leave in January, but the former Real Madrid man has responded by saying he wants to remain in north London until at least the end of his contract in 2021.