Transfer Rumour: Mesut Ozil “close to new contract” at Arsenal according to Alan Smith

Rumours have swarmed around the future of Arsenal’s star players as the team has fallen on hard times and looking to reload. In the last year of his contract and with many potential suitors, Mesut Ozil could well have been tempted with a move away from the Emirates, although Arsene Wenger had always maintained they would try to keep him.

Today, speaking on Sky Sports, former Arsenal man Alan Smith said this:

Contract talks had previously stalled and with the season dragging on, thoughts of getting his signature to paper may have fallen to the backburner. But this is promising news if “sources” are to be trusted. With Alexis likely leaving, retaining Ozil becomes easier and more important to buoy the team’s transition. Replacing Alexis has already fired up the rumour mill with a miriad of potential buys. Replacing Ozil as well might have just sunk the team and expectations.

No word yet on what the current contract demands are, but previous reports had Ozil seeking in the range of £350k per week. With Alexis reportedly agreeing to £500k per week with Manchester United, one wonders how far off Ozil might be with that number. Both were hugely critical to Arsenal’s attack that if it becomes sign or lose desperation, the German might be in for a big pay day.