There are two years left to run on the Arsenal contract of Mesut Ozil, with the German international star having signed up for five years when he joined the Gunners from Real Madrid three years ago. Those three years have seen Arsenal break the trophy drought with back to back FA cup wins, but last season was once again a barren one in terms of glory, unless you count the Community Shield.
It was even harder for Arsenal fans to take as there seemed to be a door left open by our Premier League rivals to finally regain the title after 12 years of waiting since that amazing unbeaten season from the invincibles. So this year will make it 13 years and that could be unlucky for all of us if Arsenal come up short again, because I have a feeling that Ozil will not be willing to sign a contract extension if we are not crowned champions, despite the fact that Wenger seems relaxed about him accepting a new deal.
Maybe he would if he thought that Arsenal would eventually do it, but from his words reported by Metro this week it sounds to me as though the play maker is getting as tired of Arsene Wenger’s penny pinching ways in the transfer market as most of us fans.
The German said, ‘This decision is not with me, but the coach and the management.
‘Of course, we all watch as the other teams strengthen and get (to a higher level) in the league. But it’s not my job to occupy myself with it. I want to play my football and the team as best I can help.’
‘I already know Granit from the Bundesliga, which I follow regularly. He brings an enormous quality and even more potential.
‘With Granit we’re all surprised and excited. We are fortunate that he chose Arsenal.’
It is clear that Ozil was very happy with the signing of Xhaka but like the rest of us he appears to have been hoping for a lot more. There is still time for Wenger to act, of course, but if he doesn’t and then our squad is proven to be not up to the task of finishing top of the pile, can you see our midfield star accepting it and staying in north London?
Bob.