Arteta says Ozil is an important player in his plans

Mikel Arteta has suggested Mesut Ozil will be a big part of his Arsenal team, labelling him "a massive player for this football club".

Ozil's career has been on the decline since Unai Emery took the reins last season, and it failed to pick up once the Spaniard was sacked and temporarily replaced by Freddie Ljungberg.

Arsenal fans feared Ozil could be on his way out in January with Fenerbahce among the clubs looking to snap him up, but Arteta has suggested the World Cup winner will be a focal point of his new-look Gunners.

"He is a massive player for this football club," said Arteta. "I worked with him, I know when he ticks, what he can bring to the team. It's my job to get the best out of him."

Ozil was the first Arsenal player to react to the confirmation of Arteta's appointment this Friday.

On Twitter the German said: "Welcome back to the Arsenal family."