Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Receives Transfer Boost From Top Star

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
Mesut Ozil of Arsenal at Vicarage Road, Watford, August 27. The German has revealed contract talks with Arsenal are ongoing. Christopher Lee/Getty

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has received a major fillip in the transfer market, after star midfielder Mesut Ozil confirmed talks had opened on renewing his contract.

Ozil became one of Arsenal's marquee players after signing from Real Madrid for a club record fee in the summer of 2013.

But he has just two years remaining on his current deal at Emirates Stadium, and would be a prime target for Europe's elite clubs if he lets that contract run down.

"I have a contract until 2018," Ozil stated. "We have had discussions, but they were suspended for the European Championship.

"I wanted to focus at this time only on the national team. Now we look to continue the negotiations."

Wenger has had concerns over two of his stars, with striker Alexis Sanchez also coming towards the end of his Gunners' deal. Chilean Sanchez's contract runs out, like Ozil's, in 2018.

Ozil is understood to want Arsenal to show ambition in the player acquisitions, and Wenger made two decisive moves on transfer deadline day, bringing in defender Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez.

Arsenal supporters will hope the latest noises from the German's camp is a positive indication that he is ready to play under Wenger for the long term.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Sportswriter at Newsweek.

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go