Martin Keown believes Mesut Ozil is angling for a move away from Arsenal and that the reason he didn't start against West Brom on Monday night is because Arsene Wenger doesn't trust him.

The 28-year-old is into his final season at the Emirates with reports suggesting he will leave the club on a free transfer next summer and join league rivals Manchester United.

Ozil had missed Arsenal's previous three games with a knee problem, before being named on the bench against West Brom.

However, club legend Keown believes Ozil didn't start the game for a very different reason.

Mesut Ozil was named on the bench against West Brom (
Image:
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Alexis Sanchez made way for Mesut Ozil in the 83rd minute (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty)

Speaking live from the game on BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday night, Keown said: "I think he loves playing football, Sanchez, I don't see there's an issue with him.

"Ozil of the two players, are they going to sign, aren't they, is the one I wouldn't trust as much mentally, and I believe he's not playing tonight because the gaffer really can't trust him anymore.

"I think it's a huge story that Ozil doesn't play tonight.

Does Arsene Wenger have trust issues with Ozil? (
Image:
David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"If you look at their pre-seasons, Ozil wasn't in the German squad in the summer, he came back on the very first day of pre-season, and didn't then start the season, there was a bit of suspicion around him

"Last year he went missing for a couple of months and I think that's his tactic in terms of getting away from the football club.

"I don't know - but I have a feeling that he's going to take his reliability away from selection."

poll loading

Are Arsenal better with or without Mesut Ozil?

9000+ VOTES SO FAR