Arsenal star Mesut Ozil's fine form is because he's playing for a transfer, warns Ian Wright

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James Benge19 December 2017

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Mesut Ozil’s recent upturn in form is designed to attract suitors ahead of the January transfer window.

Ozil is out of contract at the end of the season and will be able to agree terms with overseas clubs from next month.

The 29-year-old is a target for Manchester United, Barcelona and Inter Milan and his recent run of form will have done nothing to dissuade his suitors from making a move, either securing him on a free in the summer or for a cut-down fee in January.

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, where the German scored the only goal, Arsene Wenger said Ozil was playing his best football since joining Arsenal in 2013. However Wright fears he is not doing it for the club’s benefit.

“Mesut Ozil is finally becoming the player everybody hoped he would be from day one at Arsenal,” Wright wrote in the Sun.

“Sure, it's great to see at the moment but it also makes me feel that there is only one reason for it — he is gearing up to leave.

“It is no coincidence that Ozil turns it on just as January is looming in the final year of his deal when he becomes free to talk to other clubs.

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“I hope I'm wrong but I fear I'm right, right, right. Given the timing of his sudden improvement I would be stunned if Ozil signs a new deal and stays at Arsenal.”

Wenger has consistently said he expects Ozil to sign a contract extension, telling Standard Sport after the Newcastle win that the World Cup winner does not need “to be convinced”.