Mesut Ozil is into the final 12 months of his Arsenal contract, but where does his future lie?
The German international was linked with a summer move to Barcelona, only for reports to claim that Lionel Messi himself blocked the move, with very few other clubs believed to be interested in his capture.
Ozil has reiterated his happiness in North-London on a number of occasions, unlike fellow contract rebel Alexis Sanchez, but the latest reports claim he wants to move on at the end of his contract next summer.
Reports coming from Germany claim that he is ready to leave after contract talks broke down between himself and the club back in February, with no talks having been held since.
The funny thing is only a few days ago were the tabloids reporting that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident of striking a deal to extend Ozil’s contract. The German international is believed to be holding out for a pay hike, and our club may have to stretch our current structure in order to retain the star.
Two months ago Ozil himself even admitted that it was his preference to stay with the club, although the quote is taken from July.
“It is definitely my preference to stay,” the German said previously.
“Once everyone is back in London, we will sit down and discuss the future. I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal.”
Of course we are aware that people’s minds and opinions regularly change in football, but I think it is naive to simply believe a story that is thrown around by the media, especially when there isn’t even a quote to back up any such claims.
So what can we believe on the Ozil saga? Does anyone believe he could sign a new deal? Is he replaceable?
Pat J