'All that's important is Arsenal and not me': Mesut Ozil confirms contract talks are on hold until summer

Mesut Ozil claims Arsenal are "desperate" to qualify for the next season's Champions League and revealed the talks over his future at the Emirates are on hold until summer.

The World Cup winner with Germany's current deal with the Gunners runs down in 2018 and he had decided against signing a new deal earlier in this campaign. His failure to sign an extension has seen him being linked with a move away from his current employers.

Arsenal suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, and the latest loss has seen them sit sixth in the table with 54 points after 30 games. They trail fourth place Manchester City by seven points with a game in hand.

Arsene Wenger's contract expires after the end of the season and the north London club have not announced their decision publicly surrounding the Frenchman's future. Ozil stressed the talks regarding players and his manager's future at Arsenal should be put on hold and wants the club to focus on finishing the season in top four.

"I think at the moment it would be wrong to really think about that, to go ahead and look at that. At the moment the team we're having a more difficult spell and at this stage I'm not important and no other player is important. What's important is the club," Ozil told Sky Sports.

"We've got aims that we want to meet this season. There's still lots for us to play for. We want to qualify desperately for the Champions League for next season as well.

"So we'll talk in the summer and we'll clear things then but for the moment, all that's important is Arsenal and not me and not any other player - it's just the club.

"What we need to do is fight, to do what we can. It's not just about the boss or the fans - it's about the whole club and playing for the whole club."

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is an admirer of Ozil as the midfielder has played under the Portuguese tactician when the two were at Real Madrid. The Mirror reports the ex-Chelsea boss has set his sights on reuniting with his former player at Old Trafford and wants the Red Devils to secure his services.