Arteta refuses to answer question on Mesut Ozil after Arsenal beat Leicester

Mikel Arteta chose not to respond to a question about Mesut Ozil during his press conference after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

Ozil was not named in the match-day squad for the trip to the King Power Stadium and is yet to make an appearance this season.

His future remains the subject of huge speculation, with the player seemingly happy to see out the final year of his contract, which is worth £350,000 per week

In the German’s absence, youngsters including Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and goalscorer Eddie Nketiah shone for the Gunners as they progressed to the fourth round.

But that did not stop Ozil being brought up after the match, with Arteta refusing to answer a question about the 31-year-old and insisting he was happy with those who were involved on the night.

When pressed further about Ozil’s future at the Emirates, Arteta admitted it was “very difficult” to select the playmaker for the third-round tie.

“The players that we are changing that we are using,” the Spaniard said. “It is very difficult for Mesut and some of them to make the squad.

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“It’s difficult for others that weren’t involved in the Premier League. I understand [the questions] but I have to do my job as straight as possible. I select the players in the best condition.”

Arteta also refused to comment on the future of Lucas Torreira, who is linked with a move to Atletico Madrid before the transfer window shuts on 5 October.

“I’m not making decisions on players who might leave or stay. It’s the players in the best condition,” Arteta added.

Elsewhere, the Gunners boss said he was “really happy” with his side’s attitude and hailed the performances of the senior players and 20-year-old Reiss Nelson, who is linked with a loan move away from north London.

“He played really well,” Arteta added. “We don’t discuss the things that are happening [if he will go out on loan].”

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