Mesut Ozil Confirms Arsenal Contract Extension
Germany international Mesut Ozil has confirmed that he has penned a fresh three-year extension with Premier League side Arsenal. The World Cup winner ended months of speculation as he put pen-to-paper on a new deal until the summer of 2021.
Ozil had remained tight-lipped over contract talks in recent months, but the signings of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are said to have influenced his decision to ink the extension, he wrote on Instagram: "Three more years with @Arsenal! It's been one of the most important decisions of my footballing career and that's why I had to think hard and talk with everyone who's important to me... Good things take time! In the end I let my heart decide. As I always said, I feel at home here and I'm highly motivated to achieve big things in the next few years. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!"
The north London side found themselves in a vulnerable position during the middle stages of the transfer window as they found themselves on the cusp of losing Alexis Sanchez. However, they made up impressively for the Chilean by recruiting Mkhitaryan in a swap agreement from Manchester United whilst Aubameyang is reckoned by many as an excellent addition from Borussia Dortmund.
Despite the glowing news, Arsenal's chances of a top-four position are still far-off with both Liverpool and Chelsea holding an eight-point advantage over Arsene Wenger's side, heading into the final 13 games of the top-flight campaign.
The Gunners have the tendency to build up a strong run in the backend of the season, but Arsene Wenger has a tough job of reviving the club's away form which has been just poor for the club's stature. The club have averaged just one point on average on their travels this term, and they will hope for a change in fortunes in the final three months of the season.