Mesut Ozil
LONDON. – Mesut Ozil is reportedly in high spirits at Arsenal as he finally closes in on a new contract.
The German World Cup winner’s current deal runs out at the end of the 2017/18 season, but Arsenal are confident of wrapping up negotiations in the next couple of weeks. The German playmaker’s future at the club has been under speculation for almost a year.
His current deal expires in less than 12 months, leaving Arsenal fans worried he and fellow star Alexis Sanchez could leave.
The terms for the 28-year-old’s proposed new deal are around £280 000 a week, which would make him the club’s top earner, although it’s believed that Ozil was originally holding out for closer to £350 000.
But with no top sides showing great interest in moving for the World Cup winner, committing to Arsenal seems his best bet.
And positive talks have been held recently over an extension.
A breakthrough is said to be looming, which has left Ozil ‘bubbly’ during Arsenal’s pre-season tour.
The Gunners are in the midst of their spell in the Far East, having spent last week in Australia.
While Sanchez is no closer to signing on at Arsenal, Ozil’s mood has suggested he is not in the same boat.
The Gunners are increasingly hopeful they will reach an agreement with him and have offered £280 000 a week.
Arsenal are keen to put the matter to bed as by January 1 Ozil would be able to speak to overseas clubs about a pre-contract as things stand.
Negotiations are now going well, though, following a long stand-off between club and player.
Tying down Ozil long-term would prove another big boost to Arsene Wenger after he committed his own future to Arsenal. – The Daily Express.