Arsenal: Mesut Ozil Breakthrough Must Only Be The Start

Arsenal have made a major breakthrough in talks to re-sign Mesut Ozil. However, it must only be the start with many more deals still to be done.

This is, as I have been saying for many months, a future-defining season for Arsenal. Not only are they on the cusp of their first Premier League title in 12 years, while also looking menacing in the EFL Cup, the Champions League and the FA Cup yet to commence, but there are some significant decisions to be made off the pitch.

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The futures of many of the established playing members of the squad over the past few seasons are uncertain at best, the 20-year reigning manager is increasing in age, pressure and has a deal that expires at the end of the season and with the new financial power, the team is evolving at a faster rate than ever before.

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All of this culminates in a great many and important decisions to be made that will have long-lasting ramifications for the club. Well, a major breakthrough has been made in one. The quickly expiring contract of Mesut Ozil, a man who is symbolic of the recent resurgence at the Emirates, has been a major storyline all season long. Now, though, it is reported that a major breakthrough has been made between club and player, and the two parties are close to agreeing a £200K-a-week deal.

That is wonderful news for a fanbase afraid of their club regressing into the place of annually losing their most prized possessions. However, it cannot be the only deal that is completed before the end of the season. The other most high profile name to stall on talks regarding a new contract is Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean expressed an unhappiness with the side’s disappointing season last year and it has been rumoured is unhappy with the standing and stature of the club.

Sanchez is not the only one with an undecided future, however. Both Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker have less than a year remaining on their current deals and there have been musings that the two, who can start pre-contract talks with foreign clubs from January, may look to move away from North London this summer. All of this uncertainty is only worsened by Arsene Wenger doubt about his own standing with Arsenal.

The man who was primarily responsible for bringing all these players into the fray could well be gone by the end of the season. With increasing frustration from the fans clouded by his new-found willingness to invest in the transfer window, there is a severe lack of clarity surrounding Wenger and his likelihood of extending his now 20-year reign.

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Ultimately, the news that Ozil is now likely to sign is music to many an Arsenal fan’s ears. However, there is still much work to be done, with both players and manager, and tying down the future of the German must only be the start for a club desperate to secure a bright and confident future.