Mesut Özil has held positive talks with Arsenal over a new contract, according to his agent.

Özil currently remains in a stand-off with the club over a new deal, with his contract expiring at the end of the year and apparent interest from Manchester United. However, his agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, says the German has had good recent contact with the Gunners.

“Ozil wants to play another two to three years in the Premier League. Our contacts with Arsenal continue and are going in a positive way,” he said, reports Standard.

Of course, this doesn’t completely rule out a move to Manchester United. In fact, it almost makes it seem more likely, as now we know that Özil doesn’t plan to move abroad and wants to stay in the Premier League.

However, from these quotes it seems like a new deal with Arsenal is still very much on the cards, which is the ideal situation given the player’s value, both on the pitch and financially.

Arsène Wenger has made no secret of the fact he wants to keep the 28-year-old, but even fans who think he should be replaced must surely accept that it’s better if Özil is sold or swapped on a long-term deal than let go for free.

The quotes from Sogut are certainly more positive than most of the rumours we’ve had coming out of the club recently, so that’s heartening at least, even if nothing is confirmed yet.