German playmaker Mesut Ozil is reportedly set to hold contract extension talks with Arsenal over the next fortnight and is keen to continue with the Gunners
According to a report by The Sun, Arsene Wenger is set to receive a huge boost as Mesut Ozil is ready to hold contract extension talks and stay back at Arsenal instead of leaving this summer.
The Germany midfielder has a year left on his current contract with Arsenal and is expected to meet with club officials after the pre-season tour of Australia and China. Ozil’s future has been a dicey topic for Arsenal since he was strongly been linked to exit this summer but the fact that he is likely to stay back will come as good news for Wenger.
Ozil became one of the world’s finest midfielders over the course of the three seasons he spent with La Liga champions Real Madrid. Ever since he joined Arsenal four years back, Ozil has made over 155 appearances for the Gunners.
The 28-year-old has been a key figure in Arsenal’s first-team squad after the club secured his services for a record £42.5 million transfer fee to sign him from Real Madrid back in 2013. It was a big money move, but it paid off as Ozil established himself as a key figure in the squad.
However, last season saw Ozil go through a decline in his form for major parts, before a surge in performance later on helped him record 12 goals and 14 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
Despite that dip in form, Ozil is still crucial to Arsenal’s success. The fact that he was rumoured to leave this summer came as terrible news for the fans especially since Alexis Sanchez is also seeking an exit. Arsenal, therefore, have been trying to agree on a new deal with both their star players for several months and it seems to have worked.
The fact that they failed to secure a Champions League spot seemed to amplify their difficulties in getting new deals with both Ozil and Sanchez since the latter even admitted that he will not remain with the club if do not qualify, but since Ozil is staying back, Wenger can only hope that Sanchez follows suit.