With just over two years to run on his contract, there have been some mutterings on a new deal for Mesut Özil.

The German is having an outstanding season, creating more chances and goals than anyone else in Europe. It’s his best campaign yet in an Arsenal shirt, so it’s no wonder the club want to tie him down. However, it may not be so easy.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Mesut Oezil of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Will Arsenal definitely be able to keep Mesut Özil? (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

German tabloid Bild (per Sport Witness) are claiming that a member of Özil’s management team has let slip the serious interest from other clubs, with Barcelona expected to be the most interested in the playmaker:

“It is well known and true that Arsenal want to extend with Mesut. It is also true that there are constantly other requests for him. Mesut is a world champion, the most creative player in Europe, Germany’s top player – so it is clear that top clubs show their interest in him.”

We don’t know how far along Arsenal are in negotiations with the midfielder, but this comes across as a typical power play from an agent, an attempt to get a better deal.

Özil is already Arsenal’s highest paid player but his form and the bumper new Premier League television deal means the midfielder’s representatives could be after a big rise and an enormous cut of the money.

At the end of the day, expect Arsenal to hold firm and reach a middle ground that suits everyone.