Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Mesut Ozil Contract Talks, Top Gunners Rumours

Mesut Ozil is reportedly yet to put pen to paper on a new contract with Arsenal despite claims he recently signed a long-term deal.

Per the Evening Standard's James Olley, Arsenal are in continuing talks with the Germany international about extending his contract past 2018:

The Mirror's John Cross reported that while Arsenal "remain confident" of tying playmaker Ozil to new terms, the 27-year-old is "driving a hard bargain" as he looks to earn a big raise on his current £140,000-a-week deal.

However, according to Sport Bild's Henning Feindt (via the Sun's Richard Forrester), Ozil has already penned a new "lucrative long-term contract" that will see him handed the No. 10 shirt, currently owned by Bournemouth loanee Jack Wilshere, at the Emirates Stadium.

Ozil is unquestionably one of Arsenal's most important players, and reports back in the summer that he had delayed talks over a new deal caused alarm bells to ring that he might be about to depart, per Anthony Chapman in the Sun.

In partnership with Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal's No. 11 can tear teams apart on his own, as proved once again in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday, per the Premier League:

Allowing Ozil to run down his contract even further would be devastating for Arsenal and would increase the fear that he could be snapped up.

However, per Cross, while Ozil is yet to sign a new deal, he is happy in north London and will commit himself to Arsenal "within the next few weeks."

It is likely he is simply trying to negotiate as much money as he can, and he is worth plenty.

Per Sport Bild (via Sport Witness), Ozil is happy, in principle, to pen a new deal worth €230,000 (£198,000) per week, while also getting the No. 10 shirt and assurances that Arsenal will spend in the transfer market so as to compete for the biggest titles:

Few Arsenal fans would begrudge Ozil such demands given his importance to the team, and they will hope that the club announce their star player has been signed to new terms soon.