Midfielder Mesut Ozil has said that academy graduate Joe Willock can potentially become "a big player" for Arsenal.

At a time when the Gunners are struggling for central midfielders, Willock has impressed during the club's pre-season fixtures, most notably against Bayern Munich earlier this week.

The 19-year-old could potentially find himself down the pecking order upon the return of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, although Ozil has tipped the youngster to become a permanent fixture in the squad.

Ozil told the club's official website: "He knows what he can do, so he is not arrogant on the pitch but he believes in himself. Especially yesterday against Bayern Munich, against a big club, he shows his quality. We are happy to have him.

"He was strong last year as well. So of course, if you really work with the first team together always, you feel more comfortable and you believe in yourself more. I think this season, especially in the pre-season he shows his quality and I think he can help us this season.

"At the end of the day, those young players have quality. They show it every day in the training. If they stay healthy and believe in themselves, so I think he will be a big player."

Willock has made a total of 10 starts and seven substitute outings in competitive fixtures.