John Marshall
Mesut Ozil has hit back at suggestions he was planning on leaving Arsenal in the summer if Arsene Wenger stayed on as manager.
Reports in Spain emerged claiming that the player had instructed his agent to look for another club if the Frenchman remained in charge.
But Ozil, who is away on international duty with Germany ahead of facing England on Saturday, said: ‘Arsène Wenger was a big reason for me joining Arsenal – this hasn’t changed’.
According to Sportsmail, club sources have said that they do not intend to entertain the possibility of him leaving, especially as there will be two years still remaining on his current contract in June.
Wenger said recently that Arsenal were ‘not close’ to agreeing a new deal with the player.
But given the length of time remaining on the deal he signed with the club when he moved from Real Madrid for £42.5million in 2013, they are understood to remain relaxed about sitting down with him to discuss new and improved terms.
Real Madrid have a buy-back option should he become available, while Barcelona have also been linked with a potential move.
This will be an important summer in relation to Ozil’s future, with Arsenal not wanting to let the 27-year-old’s contract creep towards the final 18 months. He currently earns £150,000-per-week at the club and they are prepared to offer a significant increase.
There is understood to be some doubt on the players part about whether to sign new terms, but he will wait until the summer before making any decision.
Ozil made it clear just last month that he is enjoying his time at the north London club. ‘I’m happy to play for such a big club and happy to live in London,’ Ozil said. ‘I love London. I go to museums, parks, restaurants – all the normal things.’ ENDS
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