Arsenal bemused by reports of Mesut Özil rejecting new contract offer at the Emirates

Arsenal are reportedly bemused by claims Mesut Özil wants to leave the club. Reports in Spain have suggested the World Cup-winning star had rejected the offer of a new contract, but officials at the north London club have rubbished those claims.

The Gunners insist that no detailed talks have taken place about a new contract for Özil amid rumours that Barcelona are interested in the player. What's more, they remain confident that both parties will reach an agreement, according to The Mirror.

Özil, 27, has been one of Arsenal's key men this season and has previously said he is relishing his time in England, having moved from Real Madrid in 2013. "My contract runs until 2018, that is for another two and a half years," he said in December.

"There is no need to hurry. There are no talks at the moment but I can only say that I am very happy in London and that my decision to come here from Real Madrid was the right one," the Arsenal star said. There is not a single day, apart from when I was injured, that I have not felt great at Arsenal."

Özil was initially slow to settle at Arsenal, but has emerged this season as one of the club's leading lights. Consequently, the club are keen to tie the midfielder down to a new contract as they strive to win the Premier League.