1 Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil celebrate an Arsenal goal

Mesut Ozil believes Arsenal have saved themselves a fortune in the transfer market after labelling homegrown star Alex Iwobi as a cross between Edgar Davids and Jay-Jay Okocha.

The Nigerian has been on the Gunners’ books since he was at primary school and, after 21 senior appearances last season, is now a first choice in Arsene Wenger’s midfield.

World Cup winner Ozil is clearly impressed with Iwobi’s rise to the top and said: “He reminds me of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha. He was a player I loved watching.

“Alex reminds me of a mixture of him and Edgar Davids. He’s really strong on the ball, also defensively, but he’s good in front of goal too.”

Speaking to Arsenal’s matchday programme, the Gunners midfield maestro added: “He’s developing really well and if he continues the way he’s been playing for the whole season, he will enhance his game.

“The manager knows exactly how good he is and I wish him all the best.”