Mesut Ozil Reportedly to Sign Arsenal's Most Lucrative Contract in Club History

Mesut Ozil's outstanding form will be rewarded by a sensational £51.5 million contract from Arsenal, according to reports.

Wayne Veysey of Football Insider said player and club are close to agreeing the huge deal that will make Ozil the best-paid player in the Gunners' history.

The German World Cup winner will see his basic salary increase by £50,000-per-week—taking him to £180,000—on the signing of the new contract, per Veysey. The deal is due to run until 2021, tying the attacking midfielder to the Emirates Stadium for the best years of his career.

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Veysey added that Bayern Munich and Fenerbahce are both watching developments carefully, but Arsenal "do not want to cash in on Ozil" under any circumstances.

The attacker currently has 12 assists in 14 Premier League appearances, according to WhoScored.com. He has also added two goals to his stats for the season. 

The north London giants are said to be "keen to tie down first-teamers aged under 30 to long-term contracts," per Veysey, as they look to secure the future of their squad. The club are also in discussions with Jack Wilshere over a new deal, and they are expected to announce Nacho Monreal has agreed fresh terms.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently likened his playmaker to a "musician," as Ozil dances through the best defences in the league, per the club's official website (h/t Allan Valente of Sky Sports):

"

Mesut is like a musician who always plays the right note, and at the right moment. His timing is perfect - when he has to give the ball, he gives the ball. It's just a pleasure to see.

It struck me [on first seeing him] that he was at such a young age, but the boy could time his passing always right. He got out of impossible situations.

Also what struck me was that it was not forced on an individual basis - the team play was in front of his ego.That strikes you because normally when players are that talented, that's not the first quality you see.

"

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The Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft also recently lauded the German playmaker, highlighting his contributions as the Gunners beat Olympiakos in the Champions League to qualify for the next stage:

If doubters wondered if Wenger had wasted an incredible sum on an overrated midfielder, their thoughts are now being overturned as Ozil proves why he is one of the best players on the planet.

His new deal will come with the added responsibility to win silverware for his club.

Ozil has been inconsistent in the past, with his form and productivity affected by injury, but this season he has held his confidence together and moved through the gears for Wenger. 

If Arsenal do break their title duck and win the league, Ozil is certain to be central to any success achieved in 2015-16.