Arsenal Transfer News: Huge Mesut Ozil Contract Planned Amid Latest Exit Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Mesut Ozil over a new deal at the club, one that would see him become their first player to earn £200,000 per week including "add-ons and bonuses." 

That's according to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, who added that "both parties expect a positive resolution" to the negotiations with Ozil set to become the highest-paid player in the Gunners' history. The reported deal would give the German a £60,000-per-week pay rise on his current contract, which has two years remaining.

Despite the length of time still on his deal, Ozil has been linked with a move away from the club this summer after another campaign of failing to significantly challenge in the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport's Tancredi Palmeri, Juventus are in the hunt for his signature:

Per TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Goal's Tom Beck), the playmaker could be a target for Manchester United if Jose Mourinho takes over, while Gunners legend Lee Dixon has also revealed his belief Ozil could be on his way. Per Metro's Mark Brus, Dixon said at the Facebook Football Awards:

"

He wanted to come to a club that could play in Champions League at a high level and win something. He is now looking at the club.

The next transfer window is very important for him mentally. If he sees Arsenal are making a real effort to trying to build a side like Real Madrid, he’ll be happy.

He is possibly one of those players who could lose it at any moment and think he needs to be playing at a high level and win trophies.

"

Ozil is one of the Gunners' best players, so securing him on a long-term deal is vital.

Squawka Football revealed the numbers behind his outstanding campaign:

While only two of his 18 Premier League assists have come in 2016, it's clear the midfielder has continued to create an abundance of chances for his team-mates. Had the likes of Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott been more clinical in front of goal, he'd have likely broken assist records, and Arsenal might have even won the league.

A player of Ozil's stature and unquestioned ability should be well-placed to win silverware, particularly during the peak years of his career.

At 27, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner should be challenging for top honours every year. Keeping him at the club is crucial if Arsenal aim to do so, but their squad is still lacking the tools they need: a ruthless goalscorer ahead of him to finish off the chances he creates and defensively solid players behind him to make the side more resilient.

In that case, it wouldn't be a surprise if Ozil seeks assurances that improvements will be made to the squad before he puts pen to paper, but given Arsenal's recent history in the transfer market, whether the club do so is another matter entirely.