Ozil: I will stay at Arsenal

Arsenal have received reassurances from their midfielder Mesut Ozil
that he would remain at the club and extend his contract when
negotiations resume.

The future of the 28 year old German international has been the
subject of speculation since the beginning of the year as his contract
has just one year to run.

Asked about whether he would be staying in North London beyond this
season in Sydney, Australia where Arsenal are on tour, his reply was;

"It is definitely my preference to stay,"

"Once everyone is back in London, we will sit down and discuss the
future. I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal."

He continued by asserting that preparation for the forth coming season
was presently his priority.

"For now the most important thing is our pre-season and getting
through the tour, training and getting fitness,"

"I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal."

Ozil is entering his fifth season as an Arsenal player. He was signed
from Real Madrid in 2013 for a fee of £42m. A fee that made him the
club's record signing at the time. A record that now belongs to new
signing Alexander Lacazette.

During his time at the club, he has won three FA cups and two community shields.

Although, few would take his reassurances with a pinch of salt until
he truly puts pen to paper to extend his stay at the club beyond this
season. Until then, his words remain just that, words.

While in Australia, Arsenal would play two games, the first of which
is on Thursday against Sydney FC and on Saturday against Western
Sydney Wanderers.

After Australia, they leave for China where they would face German
Champions Bayern Munich on 19 July and Premier League champions
Chelsea on 22 July.

Following the Asia tour, they return to England for the Emirates cup.