Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reveals contract talks have 'slowed down' with Mesut Ozil but remains 'hopeful' that German star will sign new deal
- Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is out of contract at the end of the campaign
- Doubts over whether the German will sign a new contract keep growing
- However, Arsene Wenger remains hopeful that Ozil will put pen to paper
Arsene Wenger has revealed that contract negotiations with Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil have 'slowed down' but remains 'hopeful' that he will put pen to paper.
The German World Cup winner is out of contract at the end of the season, along with star man Alexis Sanchez.
With his Arsenal future yet to be sorted out, uncertainty among fans has grown about whether Ozil will sign a new contract with the club.
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has yet to sign a new contract with Arsene Wenger's side
However, speaking ahead of the Europa League match against Cologne on Thursday, Wenger said talks have quietened down due to Arsenal's attentions on the pitch.
On whether Ozil will put pen to paper on a new deal, the Arsenal manager said: 'Of course [I am hopeful].
'The contract talks have slowed down a little bit since August 31, because we need a little breather and to focus on the competition. But we will slowly get back into that.'
Wenger remains hopeful that the German international will extend his stay with the Gunners
The 28-year-old is set to be rested for the European clash with Cologne at the Emirates on Thursday night ahead of Arsenal's trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
Arsenal go into the weekend's Premier League fixture on the back of their 3-0 home victory over Bournemouth.
However, facing Chelsea away is a whole tougher prospect and one they will be desperate to come out on top following their humiliating 4-0 defeat away at Liverpool at the end of August.
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