Uni Emery gave Mesut Ozil a ‘pep talk’ ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour as the Spaniard tries to work out a way to reignite the German and he also revealed that Nacho Monreal will be one of his five captains.

Mesut Ozil’s season last time out was remarkable only for it’s mediocrity.

After enduring a tumultuous summer where he was castigated by his home nation and blamed for their World Cup failures, it was perhaps unsurprising that the loss of Arsene Wenger also had an impact on him.

The Assist King found it hard to get into the side at times and, when he did, his impact was negligible more often than not. Two assists and five goals was his total return in the Premier League last season. He only picked up three assists in all competitions.

“I spoke with him last week, at the beginning of pre-season, and wanted to get his best performance,’ said Emery.

“The way to achieve that is daily commitment. He’s working very well and I’m very positive about him.

“He’s one of the captains of the team with Granit Xhaka and Nacho Monreal.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the best Mesut Ozil this season.”

Emery named five captains last season – Laurent Koscielny, Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, and Granit Xhaka.

Cech and Ramsey have gone and Kos looks like he will be following them leaving three slots that need to be filled.

As you read above, Nacho has got the nod to fill one of the available positions and Emery hinted that another would be a young Englishman who has come through the academy.

Despite many thinking this means Rob Holding, he did not come through Arsenal’s academy.

The only player who fits that bill is Ainsley Maitland-Niles.