Mesut Ozil 'definitely' wants to stay at Arsenal, Giroud not so sure

Arsenal have been given a pre-season boost by German playmaker Mesut Ozil who says he "definitely" wants to sign a new deal with the club.

The futures of Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, the two biggest stars at the Emirates, have been uncertain for months with contract negotiations on hold and both players entering the final year of the existing deals.

"In the absence of offers from any of the European clubs who could meet his wage demands, [Ozil] is set to stay at Emirates Stadium for the upcoming season," reports The Guardian.

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However, the former Real Madrid star could leave for free next summer if his current deal expires, and the "bigger issue" has been whether he will sign a new deal.

If he refuses overseas clubs will be able to make pre-contract offers from January next year.

"Arsenal, though, have worked hard to put forward an attractive deal of their own, which is worth a basic £280,000 a week. So far, it has been a waiting game, with Ozil keen to keep his options open as he moves into the new season," says the paper.

But, speaking on the Gunners tour of Australia, Ozil hinted that he would remain at the Emirates. "It is definitely my preference to stay," he said.

However, the Daily Mail says that Ozil is demanding wages of £350,000 a week, and the Daily Telegraph says the 28-year-old could "let his contract run into its final year amid the current failure to find agreement on an offer worth around £270,000-a-week".

His fate has frequently been tied to that of Sanchez and when asked about the Chilean said he hoped that he too would remain at Arsenal, "although admitted that he has no idea whether the club’s leading scorer last season really will extend a contract that expires next summer," says the Telegraph.

One player who does appear close to an Emirates exit is Olivier Giroud, who has admitted he has considered leaving Arsenal, reports the Daily Mirror.

He could leave because "he fears the arrival of £52m record signing Alexandre Lacazette has put his Arsenal future in doubt," says the paper.

"Everton, West Ham, Marseille and AC Milan are all interested in Giroud who knows he must play regularly this season or risk losing his place in the France squad for next summer’s World Cup."