Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is quietly confident Mesut Ozil "is ready to commit" to Arsenal by signing a new long-term deal.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season and therefore able to begin speaking to foreign clubs over a free transfer in the summer.
Unlike ex-teammate Alexis Sanchez, however, who got his wish of joining Manchester United earlier this week, Ozil has given Wenger the impression that he is prepared to stay on in North London for the foreseeable future.
Asked for an update on the German's situation, Wenger told reporters at his weekly press conference: "Our intention is to keep Ozil at the club. Hopefully, we will manage to do that very soon.
"I am not close enough to be optimistic but not far enough to be pessimistic. The vibe I get from his commitment, focus and desire, he behaves like someone who is ready to commit.
"After that, contract negotiations are what they are. But we aren't close enough to tell you yes, he will stay."
Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 and has made 135 Premier League appearances for the club.
Daniel Lewis
