Just days after delivering a performance which had pundits and fans purring, Mesut Özil’s future took a twist as a “source close to the player” claims Manchester United have not spoken to the German or his agents.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the Arsenal star whose contract expires next summer, is still not certain to leave the Emirates. While he and the club continue to talk, it’s understood that there is still a significant gap over wages. The issue is set to be raised at the Arsenal AGM tomorrow by supporters who are unhappy with the club’s handling of contract renewals.
Özil’s wage demands were previously reported to be over £300,000 per week but the MEN claims he wants a 30% rise in salary to just £202,000 per week. The paper also suggests that the German wants Jack Wilshere’s Number 10 shirt instead of the 11 he currently wears.
United’s interest is regularly reported and the Arsenal midfielder makes no secret to hide his cordial relationship with Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese wrote the forward to Özil’s autobiography which has recently been translated into English.
However, the Red Devils are just one of three clubs that Özil would consider moving to; Real Madrid and Barcelona are the others. Neither of the Spanish giants has shown any interest in signing the German so a stay in England looks likeliest with the source appearing to rule out moves to Italy and Turkey.
