Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has said that Mesut Ozil "only plays when he wants to play" and claimed that the Gunners are considering selling the German due to his inconsistent form.

Ozil was linked with a move away from Arsenal during the January transfer window but ultimately remained with the club beyond the deadline.

The player's long-term future at the Emirates Stadium is far from secure, however, with head coach Unai Emery omitting the attacker from his squad on a number of occasions.

Gallas has said that Emery has been trying to "get a reaction" from the 29-year-old, but the playmaker has been unable to step up to the plate.

"Emery has tried everything he can to try and get a reaction out of Ozil but the player isn't responding. It is a very difficult situation for Ozil and for Arsenal," Gallas told The Sun.

"Everybody knows Ozil's quality but he isn't consistent. He only plays when he wants to play. Ozil should be doing more with the quality he has, he has to be the best player for Arsenal every game that he plays in.

"The fans are upset with Ozil and Emery knows this. He made the choice to start Ozil on the bench to try see if he would get a reaction from the player and it is now down to Ozil to make this happen.

"If he doesn't perform, Arsenal may consider selling him so they can use the money from the transfer and his big wages to buy a more effective player."

Ozil has scored four times and registered two assists in 18 appearances for Arsenal this season.