Ozil's ready to stay on
MESUT OZIL is set to open talks over a new deal at Arsenal.
The German, who is entering the final year of his contract, claims negotiations will resume when the club returns from their pre-season tour of Australia.
Ozil (left), who wants wages of £350,000 a week, insists he would rather remain at the Gunners than move away.
He said: “It is definitely my preference to stay, 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 about 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.”
Ozil also admits it would be a major setback for Arsenal if Manchester City target Alexis Sanchez decides to quit the club.
He said: “I hope Alexis stays but I do not know what the status is to be perfectly honest. I value him a lot as a player and he is very well suited to the game Arsenal play.
“From a personal view I would really appreciate it if he stays. However, it’s the player’s decision.
“It would hit the team quite hard if he left because he is a player who always delivers. It would be a setback to winning the title.”
Wanted
But Gunners team-mate Olivier Giroud has revealed he could be forced to quit the club following the club-record signing of Alexandre Lacazette.
Giroud admitted the £52m arrival of his fellow Frenchman means his days at the Emirates are numbered.
Asked if leaving was an option, Giroud, who is wanted by Everton, West Ham and French club Marseille, said: “It is an option. I’m here in pre-season, I wanted to travel. Some people asked me if I am going to travel or not and of course, I am Arsenal player.
“For the moment I am here so I just want to prepare well for the season and we will see later.
“But it is true that I really enjoyed my five years with Arsenal. I’m still an Arsenal player for the moment so I try to be professional.
“No matter what happens, I did my job on the pitch. It’s been five years that I’ve been here. It could be my sixth one.
“I had an amazing welcome from the fans and from the club and it has been five amazing years for me.
“I won’t forget it, no matter what happens. We will see about my future but I am still an Arsenal player for the moment.”