Arsenal Transfer News: Fresh Rumours on Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil will sign a new contract with the club worth upward of £200,000 per week at the end of the season.

That's according to Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express, who suggested that the German international's agent, Erkut Sogut, had been seeking a £250,000 weekly wage for his client. 

"Ozil has always insisted that he is happy in London, and now a compromise could be struck between the £200,000 per week he has rejected and what he is demanding," Fissler noted. It's reported Fenerbahce had shown the strongest interest in signing the 28-year-old, although a move to Turkey would mean taking a pay cut.

The Germany international's deal at the Emirates Stadium is set to run out at the end of the 2017-18 campaign, so getting him tied down for the long term will be a boost to the Gunners. Per Squawka Football, since arriving at the club, the playmaker has been one of the most creative players in the Premier League:

When he's on the ball Ozil is capable of creating some magical moments with his left foot. He sees passes other footballers cannot, his touch is impeccable and his balance in possession is unrivalled in England.

Yet so often, the midfielder is criticised for what he doesn't do when his team is defending. Ozil's languid style makes him an easy target, and he's developed a reputation for performing poorly in Arsenal's biggest matches.

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Football journalist Tony Evans was particularly critical of his display during Arsenal's 3-0 loss against Crystal Palace on Monday:

Still, when he's in form, Ozil is a world-class performer and a footballer Gunners boss Arsene Wenger can build a team around. With that in mind, if he does extend his contract, Arsenal must see it as a massive positive.

And for Ozil, a new show of faith must be a trigger for him to push on. While some of the criticism flung his way is harsh, there's no doubt the playmaker can do more to help Arsenal challenge for the game's top honours.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Rumours

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According to Melissa Reddy of Goal, Liverpool are reluctant to meet Arsenal's £35 million valuation of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The midfielder's contract is set to expire in 2018, and speculation about an exit has started to gather pace. However, according to Reddy, the Reds and the Gunners are still a long way apart.

"Oxlade-Chamberlain is on a long list of options for the Merseysiders as they seek to fortify their first XI, as well as enhance their quality in squad depth ahead of the new campaign," Reddy reported. "He would fall into the latter category, with his ability to play across midfield and as a wide forward boxing off increased competition in several positions."

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The Reds are said to be unwilling to pay above £20 million for the player, who has struggled to get regular starts for Arsenal this term.

Ste Hoare of the Redmen TV is unsure as to whether the England international would be a good fit for Liverpool given his injury record:

Oxlade-Chamberlain looked poised to be a star at the Emirates Stadium when he joined from Southampton in 2011. But the 23-year-old has struggled with injury problems, consequently failing to nail down a position and add any consistency to his game.

A move may benefit him at this stage of his career, which will be galling for Arsenal given the time and money that's been invested in the midfielder. Liverpool, under a manager like Jurgen Klopp, would potentially be an ideal next step.