Ozil’s contract talks at snail’s pace
LONDON: Arsene Wenger has revealed that contract negotiations with Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil have ‘slowed down’ but remains ‘hopeful’ that he will put pen to paper.
The German World Cup winner is out of contract at the end of the season, along with star man Alexis Sanchez.
With his Arsenal future yet to be sorted out, uncertainty among fans has grown about whether Ozil will sign a new contract with the club.
However, speaking ahead of the Europa League match against Cologne today, Wenger said talks have quietened down due to Arsenal's attentions on the pitch.
On whether Ozil will put pen to paper on a new deal, the Arsenal manager said: “Of course (I am hopeful).
“The contract talks have slowed down a little bit since Aug 31, because we need a little breather and to focus on the competition.”
The 28-year-old is set to be rested for the European clash with Cologne at the Emirates on Thursday night ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
Arsenal go into the weekend’s Premier League fixture on the back of their 3-0 home victory over Bournemouth.
However, facing Chelsea away is a whole tougher prospect and one they will be desperate to come out on top following their humiliating 4-0 defeat away at Liverpool at the end of August. Daily Mail