Arsenal: Mesut Ozil contract not the solution

Arsene Wenger has stated that Arsenal are still trying to sign Mesut Ozil to a new deal, and there is growing hope that one could be completed. However, Ozil is not the problem of this team; a new contract, while beneficial and helpful, is not the solution.

The Mesut Ozil contract saga rumbles on. The German, whose deal expires at the end of the year, has seemed oddly committed to Arsenal in recent weeks, playing with a fire and fight that has been questioned in its apparent absence. And there have been rumblings that he may, actually, after all this time and controversy, want to stay.

Related Story: 30 greatest transfers in past 30 years

Add to that, Arsene Wenger, when asked whether it is ‘make-or-break’ in regards to contract discussions in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s trip to London Stadium, stated that talks are still ongoing, with some suggesting that a higher offer is yet to come:

"“No. Negotiations are always going on with everybody. I said that many times [that I want Sanchez and Ozil to stay] and that’s all we can say. Is it two years to go? One year to go? Three months to go? The door is always open and for the rest, I cannot tell you much more.”"

Now, I am very glad that Arsenal have not given up in trying to re-sign Ozil to a new deal. In recent weeks, he has been the best player by some distance. He is still invaluable to the make-up of the side, the style that Wenger employs, and the success that is enjoyed, or not enjoyed, as the case may be. But Ozil is far from the problem at this club.

Yes, if he were to leave, Arsenal would have to find a replacement. And yes, that replacement would have to be of high quality. And yes, that replacement would cost substantial amounts. And yes, this team without Ozil is far worse than with Ozil. But there are bigger and more damaging issues than the future of the midfielder.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

For a start, it is at the other end where Arsenal’s troubles have come. They have scored the fourth most goals this season, more than Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. They have the second-most possession, average the third-most shots per game, the second-most key passes per game, and the second-most shots-on-target per game.

Contrast that to their defensive record: 20 goals conceded in 16 games. That ranks 10th in the division, and is more than the likes of Burnley, Southampton, Bournemouth and Swansea. Arsenal should focus on sorting out their defensive woes, which stem from a lack of command of the midfield, and not just sub-par personnel at the back, not just be hanging on to star players.

Next: Arsenal Vs West Ham: Predicted starting XI

Signing Ozil is of importance. It is something that should be prioritised this month. It would help move this team forward. I am not denying any of those truths. But it is not the solution to the Gunners’ problems. They need more than just a re-signing Ozil, and I have little confidence that they’re going to get it.