Arsene Wenger has vowed to play Mesut Ozil as normal despite the midfielder expecting to move to Manchester United in January.
German Ozil has been confidently bragging to Gunners teammates this week that he is ready to switch the Emirates for Old Trafford when the transfer window re-opens in just over two months time, as revealed by Mirror Football's John Cross.
Ozil is out of contract at Arsenal at the end of the season, when he can depart for nothing, and Arsene Wenger would prefer to cash in rather than let his star walk away for nothing later.
Ozil’s representatives have been asking for £350,000-a-week to sign a new deal.
The Gunners offered £275,000-a-week last season but Mirror Sport understands their interest in keeping him has now cooled.
The former Werder Bremen ace is also keen to meet-up with Jose Mourinho again - having been coached by the Portuguese boss at Real Madrid.
The pair had a strong relationship from working together at the Bernabeu, and there remains a deep respect despite Ozil’s mixed fortunes since his 2013 move to north London.
But Wenger insists nothing will change in his decision making regardless of Ozil's transfer choice.
“We have to deal with all kinds of speculation when the players are at the end of their contracts," Wenger told the club website.
“On the other hand, to be professional is to give 100 per cent as long as you are somewhere.
“For the rest, we came out many times and said that’s the situation. It [the media] can come out tomorrow and say that he extends his contract here.
“It will be exactly the same, it will not change anything. When you play the next game, commit 100 per cent."