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Why Mesut Ozil could benefit from Jack Wilsheres Arsenal departure

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Why Mesut Ozil could benefit from Jack Wilshere's Arsenal departure — Mesut Ozil will be relishing the chance of taking Jack Wilsheres shirt number (Picture: Getty)

While the majority of Arsenal fans were struggling to come to terms with the news that one of their own was fleeing the nest, Mesut Ozil was probably licking his lips.

Jack Wilshere announced on Instagram on Tuesday night that he was set to leave the Gunners at the start of July after spending 16 years at the club.

The 26-year-old had agreed to take a pay cut to stay at the Emirates but after discussions with Unai Emery the England international decided it was best to pursue a new challenge.

Wilsheres departure is the end of an era for some Gooners who were desperate for the academy graduate to fulfill his potential in north London.

However, his departure will be seen as an opportunity for Ozil – who can finally get his hands on the coveted no.10 shirt

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The German has made no secret of his desire to wear the shirt number at Arsenal and hes made every effort throughout his career to take the shirt at both club and country level.

At Real Madrid, Ozil was given the no.23 shirt when he joined from Werder Bremen but he inherited the iconic no.10 jersey when Lassana Diarra – of all people – departed the Bernabeu in 2012.

Ozil was then given the no.10 shirt for Germany when Lukas Podolski retired from international duty and he has since branded his social media channels around the number.

Speaking when he was handed the no.10 shirt for Germany, Ozil said: For me, the number means a lot. Its my favorite number. Football legends such as Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona or Pele wore that number on the back. Im really happy about it.

Of course I have previously given those in charge a signal. The number is right for me and my position as a playmaker.