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

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has insisted he remains "very happy" at the Emirates Stadium and is hopeful of starting contract negotiations with the club at the end of the current campaign.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealed to BeIN Sports recently that talks over a new deal for Ozil and team-mate Alexis Sanchez have been shelved until the end of 2016-17, adding more fuel to the speculation that the duo could be on their way out of the club.

But as reported by Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror, Ozil has suggested he is content with life at the Emirates Stadium:

"The fact is I've still got a contract in London," the playmaker told the German media, per Corless. "To speculate now would be wrong. At the end of the season we will see, there will be talks."

Although he's not enjoyed his finest season in Arsenal colours, the Arsenal supporters would be delighted if Ozil did end up sticking around. After all, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the German international has been the most creative player in English football for a while now:

Many criticisms are levelled at Arsenal, but when an in-form Ozil is at the crux of their creative play, they are a force to be reckoned with.

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There's often so much focus on what the 28-year-old can't offer. But what he does bring to the team is composure, intelligence and spades of ingenuity with the ball at his feet. Ozil's ability to find team-mates in the final third is astounding, and for those forwards in the Arsenal setup, operating in front of him must be a dream.

If Arsenal do tie Ozil down for the foreseeable future, it's imperative they get players around him that make the most of his natural gifts.

Arsenal in Fight to Land Leon Goretzka

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According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Arsenal and rivals Tottenham Hotspur are both keen to land Schalke 04 star Leon Goretzka.

The report suggested the midfielder has rejected a new contract with the Bundesliga side and subsequently has just one year left to run on his current term. Cross added that with uncertainty surrounding the future of Ozil and Sanchez, the Gunners are seeking to strengthen their midfield options.

Cross also reported Juventus are considering a move for the 22-year-old, who has been a big positive in a disappointing season for Schalke. Here's a look at what he can offer:

Goretzka is the kind of player any manager would love to have in their squad. The midfielder can screen the back four, can operate as an orthodox midfielder player, push forward or even do a job from a wide position if needed.

Needless to say, he's a multifaceted footballer and a youngster with a seemingly massive future ahead of him. Per FourFourTwo's Alex Chaffer, there's a clear determination in his game, too:

Arsenal's midfield has lacked balance at times this season, especially with the imperious Santi Cazorla sidelined. Goretzka, who is so adept in so many different roles, could help provide it.

With his deal set to run out in 2018, Arsenal could grab themselves a potential bargain if they go hard after Goretzka in the summer. However, it seems as though there'll be plenty of competition for one of the Bundesliga's most exciting prospects.