Mesut Ozil has been told what he must do to win back his place in the Arsenal's first team by head coach Unai Emery.

Speaking ahead of facing BATE Borisov in the second leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie, the Spaniard revealed his discussions with the German playmaker.

During the final years of Arsene Wenger's reign as manager, the former Real Madrid midfielder was always a key figure in his plans.

This season, Ozil has found his status in the squad put under scrutiny, and amid rumours that the Gunners could look to offload their highest-paid player in the summer transfer window, football.london understand that he is to reject the idea of leaving the club, even on loan.

Emery has left the 30-year-old on the bench or out of his match day squads completely for a number of games this season, including games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

His absences have been blamed on tactical reasons, the intensity of fixtures in the case of a match away to Bournemouth, and fitness problems including illness and back spasms.

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Mesut Ozil trains as Arsenal and Unai Emery get injury boost ahead of BATE Borisov tie (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) View gallery

"The key is in his hands," said the Arsenal head coach in his pre-match press confernece. "He is working very well this week.

"I ask him in our conversation for consistency, to be available for us for training, when you can train consistently you can help us with your best performance in the games.

"This week has been good for all the players. I am looking at him doing the training like we want.

"He needs to be available consistently for training, without the injuries, without the sickness.

"Without that we can see the best Mesut with us."

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