Contract talks look ‘positive’ for Arsenal’s Ozil

TALKS over extending Mesut Ozil’s contract at Arsenal are “going in a positive way”, according to the agent of the German midfielder.

Ozil could be back in contention for the Gunners’ Premier League trip to Watford on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury which kept him out of international duty as Germany secured their place at the 2018 World Cup.

The 28-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in a then club-record £42.5 million deal in September 2013 but as yet has not penned a new contract.

There had been suggestions, though, the German playmaker could be sold in January to avoid him leaving on a free transfer in the summer.

Inter Milan, Besiktas and Manchester United, now managed by his former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, have all been touted as possible destinations for a player said to be seeking a salary in the region of £300,000 per week.

Ozil’s representative Dr Erkut Sogut, however, suggested the German midfielder could well be staying put.

Sogut said: “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.”

Arsenal will resume Premier League action this weekend on the back of an unbeaten run through seven outings in all competitions, with four successive victories.

However, the Gunners must do without German defender Shkodran Mustafi, who suffered a suspected thigh muscle tear while on international duty.

Tam Scobbie