Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Mesut Ozil and Gareth Bale

New Arsenal striker Lucas Perez believes his team-mate and rumoured Real Madrid target Mesut Ozil will stay at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Ozil touched down at Arsenal from Real Madrid back in 2013 for £42 million, but recent reports have suggested he could be on the way back to the Spanish capital.

However, former Deportivo La Coruna frontman Perez said his new colleague won’t be leaving north London anytime soon, per Toby Gannon of the Sun:

“No, I don't think Ozil wants to return to Spain. You never know. Real Madrid is a big club—but so is Arsenal."

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Real are, of course, banned from signing any new players in the January transfer window, although rumours have been circulating that they were interested in bringing Ozil in during the summer, per the Sunday Express (via Aaron Flanagan of Daily Mirror).

The German is the kind of player Real have been crying out for in many a season. His vision and expert precision make him a nightmare for defences and a dream for any prolific front line.

But the heralded "king of assists" is hugely valuable to the Gunners, and it’s understood the club are working tirelessly to get a new deal over the line.

As the Times reports, Ozil is "close" to agreeing a contract extension at the Emirates, along with Alexis Sanchez and manager Arsene Wenger (via James Orr of the Sun).

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Real Madrid may well have to look elsewhere to find another creative spark in midfield, yet they’ll also be keen to hang on to some of their own prize assets, such as Gareth Bale.

Although the Welshman is reportedly keen to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, he’s in no hurry to put pen to paper on a new contract, according to Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror.

Bale is believed to be hanging on and waiting for the best deal possible, and it’s safe to say he’ll be getting that.

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The 27-year-old’s wage will almost double to a staggering £250,000 per week after tax.

Real Madrid have started the 2016/17 campaign in impressive form, sitting alongside neighbours Atletico at the top of La Liga table.

The club will be wary of January exits without any means of landing replacement players, although tying down their most important stars will be the key to long-term success.

Zinedine Zidane’s men take on Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening.