Mesut Ozil's agent has claimed that talks over extending the German playmaker's contract at Arsenal are now progressively positively, despite the seemingly interminable nature of negotiations.
Discussions began well over a year ago about a contract that expires next summer when Ozil's status was higher in the team but now, with his client having played only seven minutes in the club's last six unbeaten games, Dr Erkut Sogut has made more encouraging noises.
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"Ozil wants to play another two to three years in the Premier League," he said, as reported by the Telegraph. "Our contacts with Arsenal continue and are going in a positive way."
The German's current deal at Emirates Stadium expires next summer with negotiations initially paused last season due to an en passe over wage demands, understood to be worth more than double this current £120,000-a-week salary.
Ozil's former manager at Real Madrid is reportedly keen on a reunion at Manchester United but the World Cup winner's representative, Dr Erkut Sogut, has hinted at an agreement with Arsenal being reached, according to the Standard.
The Germany international enjoyed what was the more productive period of his career under Jose Mourinho at Madrid, although he was then part of a formidable attack that also included Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
It is believed that Arsenal made offers approaching £300,000-a-week for Ozil to extend his deal previously but, with his form having wavered and the team in good form without him recently, there must be some doubt over whether the club would still be willing to commit such a large chunk of their budget to him.
Ozil is in contention to return following injury and start against Watford on Saturday but Danny Welbeck is also available and Theo Walcott is another competing for a starting place with Alexandre Lacazette, Alexis Sanchez, Alex Iwobi and Olivier Giroud.
The midfielder's future has been up in the air following concerns over his loyalty and attitude towards the club.
Earlier this month, it was reported that his team-mates were left furious after he and Sanchez failed to attend a club media activity day.
This caused tension within the club after players privately voiced their annoyance at the duo's reluctance to speak publicly, especially during the toughest period last season when Arsenal lost seven out of 12 matches in all competitions between January 31 and April 10.
