Perhaps the better way to determine whether the older players are on board is to play them in front of their new manager. As for Ozil, Emery froze him out for months. Freddie was on the training ground that entire time. He knows what Ozil is all about, and has still given him opportunities. Arsenal are bleeding points and getting further away from the Europa/CLspots. Play the multimillion dollar talent and see what they do. If they drop points with lazy play, that will speak volumes for Arteta.
Yes, Arsenal have young hungry talent. Arteta has seen the play the young kids route under Wenger, with limited success. Arsenal can’t do that anymore, even with the bottom of the table clubs. Arsenal shouldn’t throw the “babies” out there, per Patrice Evra, following the Man United 8-2 thrashing in 2011 and as he pointed out again as recently as this October. Arteta is no dummy. He doesn’t need a gimmick like playing the kids to see who’s on board. He knows the characters and can determine who will buy in based on his own analysis.