Martin Keown claims he’s ‘astonished’ by the notion that Mesut Ozil could stay at Arsenal.

The former Gunner, who insisted earlier in the month that Ozil has already mentally left Arsenal, claims he’s ‘astonished’ that it now looks as if the playmaker could actually sign a new deal with the club.

“I would be surprised if Ozil features (against Watford),” the former defender wrote for the Daily Mail. “I find the suggestions that Ozil could now be staying at the club astonishing. Maybe there are not any takers who want to pay his high wages.”

Just weeks ago it looked almost certain that, like Alexis Sanchez, Ozil was going to leave north London.

Despite the 28-year-old previously talking about his love of London and insisting that he wanted to stay during the Gunners’ pre-season, negotiations over a new contract stalled and rumours linking the Germany international with a move away stepped up a notch.

Manchester United, Fenerbahce, Inter Milan and Barcelona were all linked.

Wenger then admitted it was ‘possible’ that Ozil and Alexis could both leave in January.

However, Ozil’s agent Erkut Sogut has actually pushed against the ‘Ozil can’t wait to leave Arsenal’ narrative by insisting that talks over a new deal with the Gunners are going positively and the midfielder wants to spend ‘two to three more years’ in the Premier League.

It’s hard to tell which way this is going to go. On one hand, I adore Ozil and would love for him to stay at Arsenal. On the other, I’m just sick to death of players appearing to hold the club to ransom because they know how desperate we are to keep them.

Perhaps that’s not what the ex-Real Madrid ace is doing but it sure seems like it.