Wenger hopes his future plans won’t influence Ozil talks

LONDON: Arsene Wenger insists Mesut Ozil won’t base his contract talks with Arsenal solely on the uncertain future of the Gunners manager.

Wenger’s current deal only runs until the end of the season and he has yet to reveal whether he will extend his 20-year reign at the English Premier League club.

With Wenger’s future still to be decided, Ozil this week said he wants to know whether the 67-yearold will still be at the helm if he agrees a new contract.

Ozil and Arsenal team-mate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their present deals and are reportedly seeking parity with the Premier League’s top earners if they are to remain at the Emirates beyond 2018.

Wenger acknowledged his future was a consideration for Ozil but he feels the Germany midfielder’s decision will be influenced by many other factors as well.

Asked if he had been put under pressure to decide his own future, Wenger told reporters on Friday: “No, not necessarily.

“He would like to know what happens on the managerial front of course but I don’t think that’s the main part of his decision.

“I think it’s part of it but it’s not the only thing. There are many other ingredients in every negotiation. Hopefully we will find a conclusion with him very quickly.” With Arsenal again struggling to mount a sustained title bid it has been suggested both stars would consider leaving the north Londoners.

But Wenger has been through many similar situations with his best players in the past and has no intention of complaining about the slow progress of negotiations.

“We always speak. I speak more with his agent on that front about contracts than I do with him,” he said.

“We do not master that situation alone. Let’s not forget that all these players have 18 months to go. That’s a very long time in football.” — AFP