Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ‘increasingly confident’ of securing new Mesut Ozil contract
Gunners chief admits Alexis Sanchez is something of a lost cause at this stage, but is fighting hard to keep German star
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger is "increasingly confident" of securing a new contract for Mesut Ozil.
The German playmaker, 29, is one of three big-name players whose contracts run out in the summer - and could then leave on a free.
One of those stars, Alexis Sanchez, is widely expected to leave this month, with both Manchester City and Manchester United scrapping for his signature.
However, Wenger, 68, is adamant he wants to keep hold of both Ozil and Jack Wilshere, to minimise disruption in the summer.
Wenger said: “It looks like Sanchez will not extend his contract.
“But we want to keep Jack and if we have an opportunity maybe to keep Ozil, the rebuild will be less deep than if all three left.”
Meanwhile, Wenger added talks for a new Ozil contract are "very much alive" and there is "still an opportunity for him to stay" at Arsenal.
The Gunners boss was quizzed as to whether money or silverware was the key motivating factor for Ozil, to which he replied: “It’s both, always.
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";These guys want to win, and they want to make money as well.
"So they want a combination of the two that big clubs can give them.”
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Meanwhile, Wenger has revealed he has no intention of stepping down as Arsenal boss, amidst growing calls for him to quit.
Just six months into his new contract, Wenger was forced to say: “My contract clarifies my future. Did I ever walk away from a contract? Never. So why should I now?
“At the end of the day, if you give someone a contract for £20million, you have to make sure it will be paid.
“I have been here for 21 years and I am always committed to my contract. Every single decision I make is what is right for the club.”