Arsène Wenger has insisted that his own future will not form the “main part” of Mesut Özil’s decision as to whether to extend his contract with Arsenal.
The Germany midfielder is, alongside Alexis Sánchez, one of two key Arsenal players whose contracts at the club have 18 months left to run. The renewal of any deal has been the subject of much debate this season and Özil gave an interview in Germany this week in which he said his future would depend on whether Wenger himself stayed at the club. On Friday the Arsenal manager played down the remarks.
“I think [the interview] has been a bit misinterpreted,” Wenger said. “He would like to know what happens on the managerial front of course, but I don’t think that is the main part of his decision. It is part of it, but it’s not the only thing. There are many other ingredients in any negotiation and hopefully we will find a conclusion very quickly with him.”
It is thought that Özil is closer to agreeing terms with Arsenal than Sánchez, but Wenger refused to put a time frame on negotiations. “We do not master that situation alone,” was Wenger’s chosen expression. “Let’s not forget that all these players have 18 months to go that’s a very long time in football. I’m very relaxed about the situation.”
In other transfer news, Wenger rejected out of hand reports that Arsenal had bid for the Italy striker Andrea Belotti. He denied Arsenal had made a bid, adding “that is what you call today fake news”. He did, however, concede that the full-back Carl Jenkinson could leave the club, with Crystal Palace the most likely destination.
“It’s a possibility that Carl will move in the next two or three days,” Wenger said. “It’s possible that it’s just a matter of time but I can’t tell you any more because we haven’t come to any conclusion yet.”
When pressed as to whether Palace was the likely destination he said. “You look well informed.”
