Mesut Ozil is reportedly close to finally agreeing a £280k-per-week deal with Arsenal.
- Ozil says he wants to stay and hold contract talks
- Star encouraged by recent negotiations
- Set to accept offer of £280kpw
- Originally holding out for £350kpw
Although Ozil was allegedly holding out for a whopping £350k-per-week, according to the Daily Mail, lack of interest from other clubs means he’s being forced to accept Arsenal measly original offer of £280k-per-week.
The German international and his people are said to be ‘encouraged’ by recent negotiations and are set to put pen to paper soon.
All signs over recent weeks have pointed to Ozil staying in north London. Not only does the 28-year-old seem to have a genuine connection with the club, city and Arsene Wenger, but the lack of reports linking him with other clubs have also been telling.
Plus, he even admitted that his preference was to stay put.
“It is definitely my preference to stay,” Ozil said while away in Australia on pre-season with the rest of the Arsenal squad.
“It is such a great club and I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal. Once everyone is back in London we will sit down and discuss the future.
“For now the most important thing is our pre-season and getting through the tour, training and getting fitness. When I’m back in London, we will sit down and discuss.”
However, just because Gooners knew the playmaker was probably going to sign a new deal doesn’t make it any less exciting and getting this wrapped up before the season starts would be brilliant.
Although it’s looking unlikely that Arsenal will be able to convince one of their other key players, Alexis Sanchez, to extend his time in north London past next summer, it’s good that at least Ozil wants to stay and fight.