Arsene Wenger gives contract update on Mesut Ozil

Arsene Wenger has said that he believes Mesut Ozil is “ready to commit” to a new Arsenal contract, confirming that the player is still in talks about extending his stay at the club.

Ozil’s current contract expires at the end of the season and he is now available to discuss terms with other clubs.

He has so far proved resistant to extending his stay in north London, but at his Friday press conference Wenger indicated he is hopeful the Germany playmaker will stay.

“Our intention is to keep Ozil at the club. Hopefully, we will manage to do that very soon,” Wenger told journalists ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League game against Swansea City on Tuesday.

“I am not close enough to be optimistic but not far enough to be pessimistic.

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“The vibe I get from his commitment, focus and desire, he behaves like someone who is ready to commit. After that, contract negotiations are what they are.

“But we aren’t close enough to tell you yes, he will stay.”

Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 and has gone on to become one of the club’s most important players, featuring in over 130 Premier League matches over the past four-and-a-half seasons.

But his stubborn refusal to commit his future to the club has sparked rumours he will walk away for nothing in the summer.