Arsenal hero Lee Dixon believes Mesut Ozil has lost his edge thanks to his massive contract.

Dixon has defended the hardline approach taken by Arsenal boss Unai Emery towards the under-firing German playmaker.

He told The Sun: “Signing him up on a big deal was seen as a must not to lose him.

“But the character of the player has to be taken into consideration.

“When you give somebody that amount of money it probably wouldn't affect some players. But it looks as if it has softened him.

“He doesn't look driven, he doesn't look hungry, and when that happens you have a problem.

“You need Ozil firing as well as the ability of the team to carry him at times when he is not quite functioning.

“There is no doubt that the team needs a player like Ozil playing at his best.

“Even an Ozil not quite at his best because the creativity that seems to be lacking from that midfield area, from the no.10 area, stands out a mile."