Mesut Ozil believes Arsenal forward can emulate Karim Benzema

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has backed Alexandre Lacazette to reach the heights of French compatriot Karim Benzema following a promising start to his Premier League career.

The France international joined the Gunners from Lyon on a club-record deal in the summer, and he has since adjusted perfectly with five goals in 10 top-flight outings.

Benzema also began his career with Les Gones before moving on to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, and Ozil feels Lacazette can emulate his international teammate in terms of individual statistics.

"I think Lacazette's game is different, but I hope he will have as much success as Benzema. He has his head on his shoulders, he works hard," he told SFR Sport. "I hope he scores as many goals as Benzema with the French national team."

Lacazette had struggled to make the France squad for nearly 12 months between 2015 and 2016, but Didier Deschamps' decision to ignore Benzema has benefited him with a regular Les Bleus call-up.

The 26-year-old is still not guaranteed a starting role with France with Gunners teammate Olivier Giroud fancied by Deschamps due to his excellent hold-up play.