By Jack Granard
Mesut Ozil has ended speculation about his future at the Gunners, with confirmation that he has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract.
With only a few months left till his contract was expected to run out, the 29 year old German International has become the highest-paid player in the club’s history – earning around £350,000 per week before tax.
To think only a few days ago, Arsenal fans were lamenting the loss of Alexis Sanchez to a rival and bemoaning their status as a “selling club.”
Flash-forward to now and Arsenal fans are licking their lips at a potential title challenge next year with Ozil set to remain at Arsenal until the summer of 2021.
A controversial figure at the Emirates, Ozil has scored 36 goals in 182 appearances and provided 49 assists, which is more than anyone else in the Premier League since his debut in 2013.
While fans have been critical of his lethargic playing style, these figures would suggest his importance to the team and lay a claim to the impression that he is one of Europe’s most talented footballers.
Now, with a front line consisting of Lacazette, Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Ozil, Arsenal are likely to instill fear into the opposition and bring confidence back to fans.
The size of the wage will upset some fans who may believe Ozil is not worth the money and waited till January to improve his negotiating position to force the club’s hand.
However, with Ozil set to potentially stay at the Gunners for eight years in total, it firmly cements Arsenal as capable of matching the big spenders of the Premier League and able of keeping their best players.
The deal, signed on Wednesday, follows months of speculation about the future of the 29-year-old Germany international, whose previous deal was due to expire at the end of the season.
He joined the Gunners from Real Madrid in 2013 for a then club record £42.4m.
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