Arsenal Transfer News: Mesut Ozil Gunners Decision After Euro 2016, Top Rumours

Mesut Ozil has said he will make a decision on his Arsenal future after the 2016 European Championship this summer. 

Per the National's John McAuley, he said:

"

I still have two years contract with Arsenal, as you know, and we will be in talks with the club and we’ll see what happens in the future.

But as I said, now I’m concentrating on Euro 2016 in France, which is very important for me and my team after the last World Cup. Then later on, I will see what I do with Arsenal.

"

In recent months, speculation has been rife regarding the 27-year-old and whether he will sign an extension with the Gunners, who have once again endured a season of underachievement.

Ozil is a key player for Arsenal, as he is by far their most effective creator in midfield. BBC 5 live Sport revealed his astonishing number of chances created for the season:

The German was rewarded with 19 Premier League assists for his efforts, though given just how many opportunities he created he would likely have earned far more if Arsenal had a clinical striker up front.

Indeed, the Gunners' failure to truly capitalise on Ozil is one factor that led to them missing out on the league title. Even though they beat rivals Tottenham Hotspur to second place on the final day, this season undoubtedly represents a missed opportunity.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes as much, per Sky Sports:

Per the Premier League, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was delighted with the club salvaging second:

However, that merely papers over some large cracks, and unless the Gunners immediately set about rectifying the issues they've faced with a view to further silverware, it wouldn't be a surprise if Ozil did not extend his deal.

According McAuley, the former Real Madrid man indicated he expects Arsenal to strengthen this summer:

"

We have a good team, a strong team with good players and strong characters, and I know as well other teams will prepare themselves for the new season with new transfers and will be stronger than last season.

We will also be stronger with new players coming in and that would just make us much better than now. This is a decision that needs to be taken by the responsible people inside the club, not by me, so we will wait and see what will happen.

"

Should the Gunners repeat their lack of activity from last summer, in which they failed to recruit a single senior outfield player, the message that may send to their big stars could be one that prompts them to seriously consider their future.

However, recruitment of further marquee talent would likely persuade them to stay.

One such player is Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, who, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Liam Corless of the Mirror), is hoping to sign a new deal with the Partenopei that would see his release clause reduced from £72 million to £47 million, and Arsenal could be among those hoping to capitalise.

Ciro Fusco/Associated Press

The Argentinian enjoyed the season of his life, netting 36 goals in Serie A and breaking a long-held scoring record, per Italian football writer David Amoyal:

He's exactly the kind of player who could feed off Ozil and the rest of Arsenal's creative players, potentially making a title-winning difference to the side if he can be recruited.

It will take an enormous sum to prise him away from Naples regardless of his release clause, but moving for him would be a great demonstration of ambition that could also tempt Ozil into extending his deal.