Ray Wilkins: Arsenal should allow Mesut Ozil to leave and replace him with Jack Wilshere

Former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins has advised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to allow his star player Mesut Ozil to leave and replace him with Jack Wilshere. The England international is currently on a season-long loan at AFC Bournemouth and has impressed for Eddie Howe's side.

Ozil, who signed for the north London club from Real Madrid in 2013 has over 18 months left on his current deal. A year later, the Gunners brought Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, whose contract is also set to expire at the same time as that of the German international.

According to the Evening Standard, the two players want to be the top earners at the Emirates and are unhappy with Arsenal's offering of £200,000-a-week ($252,920 per week). Wenger has insisted the talks to renew the contract with the Chilean international and Ozil are under way, while also admitting the pair will be at the club until 2018, even if they fail to agree a new deal.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in re-signing Ozil and the player himself has refused to rule out a move. Wilkins believes it is best to keep Sanchez and replace the German star with Wilshere, who will return to Arsenal following the completion of his loan spell at Bournemouth.

"I'd have Sanchez, all day long. I'd bring Jack Wilshere back and let Ozil go. That is only my opinion," Wilkins told talkSPORT.

"I think Jack is thoroughly enjoying himself at Bournemouth. He is actually playing week in, week out and you can see progress he is making. Thankfully he is over the injury problems he has had in the past.

"I think Jack Wilshere could be the equal of Ozil, if not better. He has a total commitment around the pitch. Ozil has wonderful touches but when he plays against the big teams sometimes you see him go missing."

"Arsenal without Alexis Sanchez are a totally different team. Arsene plays him at every given opportunity."