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LONDON. — Mesut Ozil may be waiting to see if Arsene Wenger stays at Arsenal before extending his contract at the Emirates, according to Michael Ballack.Speculation surrounding Ozil’s future at the club has intensified recently, with the player’s current deal in north London due to expire in less than 18 months.

The Germany international said on Monday that he will hold talks with the Gunners and decide whether or not to sign a new contract “soon”.

However, Ballack thinks his compatriot is stalling over extending his current deal in order to see if Wenger continues his 21-year association at the club.

“It is difficult to say really (if he should stay at Arsenal),” the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

“A player like him, who has played for Real Madrid and now Arsenal and who knows the Premier League and La Liga, he has his own feeling and experience.

“And there are not many clubs where he can go now and who can afford him. I think he needs to feel comfortable with the decision that he makes.

“But it also depends on what Arsene Wenger does and they have a good relationship and maybe that is why he is waiting a bit.”

If Ozil does opt to remain in north London next season, though, then he must become mentally stronger so as to become a world-class player, says Ballack. — Sky Sports