Arsenal Transfer News: Mesut Ozil Contract Renewal Close, Latest Gunners Rumours

Mesut Ozil is reportedly close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Arsenal that will see him earn a whopping weekly wage of £200,000. 

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, the Germany international will become the highest-paid player at the Emirates Stadium following some dazzling displays early in the campaign. Ozil will see his salary increase from the £140,000-a-week that makes up his current deal, which is set to expire in the summer of 2018.

Per Cross, however, the outlook on the future of Alexis Sanchez is not quite as bright for Arsenal. It’s suggested there is less certainty over the Chile international signing a new deal as he “wants a huge rise.” The forward also has 18 months to run on his contract.

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Arsenal fans will at least be relieved to read Ozil is close to signing on for the long term with the Gunners. As we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, the former Real Madrid man has been a huge influence in attack for the team this term:

In truth, he has been since arriving at the club in 2013. Ozil is a unique footballer in the Premier League, consistently showcasing a level of technical ability and vision that’s often beyond belief.

Now 28, Ozil is in the peak years of his career and should he sign on for more years in north London, it’s likely he’ll spend them all with Arsenal. For manager Arsene Wenger, having the German playmaker purring at the hub of his team for a long time yet will be a huge boost.

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The challenge for Ozil moving forward will be to inspire the Gunners to major honours, and the team does look better equipped to push for the Premier League title this season.

Nonetheless, sports writer Cristian Nyari thinks the German will be remembered as one of the game’s great entertainers:

Arsenal supporters will be hopeful they will be able to continue watching Ozil link up with Sanchez for years to come too.

As noted by Cross, the forward’s contract situation is becoming something of a concern for the club. According to Steve Stammers of the Sunday Mirror, Manchester City and Juventus are poised to take advantage of this hesitancy and “spark a £50 million battle” for the player.

The Chilean joined the club in the summer of 2014 from Barcelona and has added a rawness to Arsenal’s polished attacking play.

Per Bleacher Report's James McNicholas, his versatility this season has been the catalyst for a strong beginning to the Premier League campaign:

Ozil and Sanchez are like ice and fire for Arsenal. The former’s cold-blooded composure on the ball brings the best out of other attackers, while the latter’s insatiable appetite for the game and willingness to commit opponents is the perfect complement. Together, they’re capable of inspiring the Gunners to glory.

However, should one depart, the team’s chances would diminish significantly. Of course, keeping a world-class player like Ozil would be a boost to all associated with Arsenal and a major show of strength from the club. It would be a bittersweet success if they were unable to convince Sanchez to sign on too, though.