Mesut Ozil Warning Delivered by Per Mertesacker, Arsenal Contract Talks Ongoing

Per Mertesacker has entered negotiations to extend his deal at the Emirates and insists Mesut Ozil will only get better for Arsenal, as reported by Sky Sports.

The central defender's current deal is set to expire in 2015, but the German appears happy to put pen to paper on an extended stay:

"

I am very delighted here with the club, especially after the first year that was tough for me, a very tough challenge.

The boss always trusted me in a special way. So I think it is a little reward that we talk a bit on things, because I've got one and a half years left.

Overall there's no rush but it seems to be that some guys are delighted with my performance at the moment. I am pleased with the situation.

"

This will undoubtedly provide pleasant reading for Arsenal supporters.

Mertesacker has formed a strong partnership alongside Laurent Koscielny, with the Gunners currently boasting the Premier League's second most miserly defence—breached just 10 times in 12 games.

Their understanding has left club captain Thomas Vermaelen on the bench for much of the season, starting just one game.

Aside from his own future, Mertesacker also provided insight into his compatriot, Ozil. The former Real Madrid playmaker missed a penalty before laying on Jack Wilshere's second goal against Marseille, and Mertesacker warned rivals he will only get better.

Jim van Wijk of The Daily Mail provides the quotes:

"

Mesut has made good progress. He is in good form and you can see that. He was always a threat (against Marseille) and he never gave up after the penalty that he missed.

We are very delighted with him, especially in the transition from defence to offence, when he is always a threat. 

He can play the balls, he is the one who always goes deep all of the time. He is in good form and I think we will see more.

"

Ozil's arrival has certainly roused Arsenal into their current rich vein of form.

He's created more freedom for the likes of Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey and has added an extra, slicker dimension to the Gunners' already fluid attack.

Despite his side's remarkable improvements, Ozil's own performances haven't been as consistent as he would have liked of late.

He was a peripheral figure during recent games against Manchester United and Southampton and the missed penalty marked his card against Marseille.

However, there's no doubting the impression he's already made at the Emirates. Whether he's in top form or not, his very presence attracts extra attention, allowing far more space for his colleagues to exploit.

If Arsenal can play like this during what might be an adaptation period, the prospect of Ozil eventually finding top form augurs well for Arsene Wenger's title hopes.