Arsenal hero Paul Merson has joined the calls for Mesut Ozil to be brought back into the fold.

Ozil was left out of Mikel Arteta's squad for the Premier League and Europa League group stages this season, and has not played a minute for the club since March.

"For me, Mesut Ozil comes back in the team if Thomas Partey is fit," said the former Arsenal forward. "Partey gets around the pitch, dominates the midfield and dictates the game. Him playing opens up a chance for Ozil.

"At the moment, Arsenal have nobody in there to provide the forwards. You can make runs all day long, but if you're a centre-forward, your runs are only as good as the players playing behind you."