Mesut Ozil has heaped praise on former Arsenal wonderkid Chris Willock who left Gunners earlier this summer after rejecting a contract offer

Arsenal star playmaker Mesut Ozil has heaped praise on the clubs former wonder-kid Chris Willock.

Willock rejected a new contract offer from Arsenal earlier this summer to make the move to Benfica. The youngster also attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, Dortmund and Celtic.

Arsenal – who were reluctant to let Willock leave – will see the 19-year-old once again this weekend when the Gunners take on Benfica.

Ozil praised the youngsters ability and wished Willock all the best at Benfica.

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“He trained with us now and then, and was a very good player, very hungry,” Ozil told Arsenal Player.

“I wish him all the best there. For him it’s an opportunity to show his former club what he can do.”

Arsenal face Benfica in the Emirates Cup on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners will then take on Sevilla on Sunday.

Mesut Ozil’s future at Arsenal is still cast on doubt despite the Germany international pledging his future to the club.

The 28-year-old is yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal while his current contract expires in under 12 months.

Ozil racked up 12 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances for Arsenal last season.