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Unai Emery tried to sign Mesut Ozil from Arsenal when he was in charge of Paris Saint-Germain

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Mesut Ozil is in contention to make his Arsenal return against Cardiff on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

Unai Emery is such a fan of Mesut Ozils that he attempted to sign him from Arsenal when he was in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, according to ESPN.

Arsene Wengers successor was forced to deny reports of a training ground bust-up with the former Germany international after Ozil missed last weekends win over West Ham through illness.

The 29-year-old started the first two games of Emerys tenure but was hauled off midway through the second half of the defeat against Chelsea when the score was level at 2-2.

Ahead of the 3-1 victory against the Hammers, Emery defended Ozils contribution to the team but reiterated the need for maximum commitment in all aspects of his tactical set-up, while subsequently hinting Ozil may not have played in his favourite No.10 role had he been available for selection against Manuel Pellegrinis side.

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Mesut Ozil missed the 3-1 win over West Ham through illness (Picture: Getty)

Emery, however, is said to be hugely appreciative of Ozils talents with ESPN claiming Emery met the former Real Madrid midfielder halfway through last season in an attempt to convince him to join the Ligue 1 giants, even detailing the exact role he would fulfil in his star-studded side.

Ozil, ultimately, snubbed PSGs interest and signed a new long-term deal worth £350,000-a-week but faces a battle to force his way back into the starting line-up and appears to be in direct competition with Aaron Ramsey.

After reportedly being prescribed a dose of antibiotics to cure a severe cold that developed into a laryngitis, Ozil returned to training earlier this week and is in contention to make his comeback.