According to reports in The Sun, Arsenal are confident that contract rebel Mesut Ozil will finally sign a new £280,000-a-week deal before the start of the new Premier League season next month.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Gunners star has just one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates and talks between the two parties over a new deal have been happening throughout the summer and during the club’s pre-season tour of Australia, with little progress in finding an agreement.
However, The Sun says that a £280,000-a-week deal is now close despite the Germany international initially wanting £350,000-a-week, with the 28-year-old satisfied that he will be the north London club’s top earner.
How good was Ozil last season?
The German actually didn’t have his best campaign in an Arsenal shirt when it came to overall statistics, but he still made a relatively big impression and showed the influence he has on the side.
The 28-year-old scored 12 goals and provided a further 14 assists – six less than the previous campaign – in 44 appearances in all competitions.
The attacking midfielder couldn’t prevent the Gunners finishing outside of the top four and if he is to stay, he will hope to help take Arsene Wenger’s side back to the Champions League next term.
How big a boost would it be if he stays?
It would be a huge boost.
The fact that Arsenal came into the summer break knowing that both Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had a year remaining on their current deals would have been a huge concern for Wenger and the supporters.
However, if they can get the Germany international tied down it would be an important statement of intent ahead of next season when they will look to compete for the Premier League title.
With Sanchez’s future still up in the air, the Gunners will need Ozil’s creativity and goalscoring threat next term – especially after bringing Alexandre Lacazette to the club.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, aside from bringing in new players one of Wenger’s priorities this summer would have been to get Ozil to commit his future to the club, and the Frenchman looks to be on the verge of doing exactly that without giving in to the German’s initial demands.
