Arsene Wenger says he will continue picking Mesut Ozil, provided he continues to be committed to Arsenal.

Ozil’s contract is up next summer, and he will then be able to walk away from the Emirates on a free transfer.

The German playmaker, 28, has come in for criticism so far this season and is no longer a guaranteed pick for the Gunners - but could start at Everton on Sunday.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been linked with a summer reunion with his former Real Madrid charge at Old Trafford.

But Wenger insists as long as Ozil is giving 100 per cent, he will continue to be in his plans.

Ozil is no longer 100 percent certain to start when fully fit (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
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"We have to deal with all kinds of speculation when the players are at the end of their contracts,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.

"On the other hand, to be professional is to give 100 per cent as long as you are somewhere, Arsenal or any other club.

“And he is not seeking to become the highest-paid player in the Premier League. That’s not his aim. For the rest, we came out many times and said that's the situation. The media can come out tomorrow and say that he extends his contract here.

"It will be exactly the same, it will not change anything. When you play the next game, commit 100 per cent.

Ozil could start at Everton on Sunday (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"I believe that at the moment I just focus on what is the best possible team for the next game and have no pre-conceived ideas if the guy will be 100 per cent committed or not.

"That would be unfair on my side, because you don't have any opinion about that.

“When a player plays for Arsenal Football Club, his commitment cannot be linked with the length of his contract, it has just to be linked with the responsibility and the ambition he has to win the football game.”

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