Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil seeks assurances about club's ambition before signing new deal

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is reportedly seeking assurances about the club's transfer policy before he signs a new contract at the Emirates Stadium. The World Cup-winning star wants the club to agree to sign big-name players in upcoming transfer windows before he puts pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Arsenal signed Granit Xhaka and Ozil's Germany teammate Shkodran Mustafi during the summer transfer window and the 28-year-old midfielder is keen to see the Gunners recruit more players of their ilk in the coming months. Ozil is currently locked in contract negotiations with the north London club, but will only commit his long-term future to Arsenal if they underline their ambition by making waves in the transfer market.

The German international is also reportedly keen to take the No 10 jersey vacated by Jack Wilshere, who has joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal, according to the German daily Bild.

If Arsenal cannot agree a new contract with Ozil – whose contract expires in 2018 – the midfielder would consider a return to Real Madrid, where he played from 2010 until 2013. Ozil was a big favourite with the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu during his time in the Spanish capital and is also an admirer of Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

Ozil postponed contract talks with Arsenal earlier this year to focus on Germany's campaign at Euro 2016, where they reached the semi-final stage before losing to hosts France. "I still have two years contract with Arsenal, as you know, and we will be in talks with the club and we'll see what happens in the future," Ozil said during the summer, as quoted by the National.

"But as I said, now I'm concentrating on Euro 2016 in France, which is very important for me and my team after the last World Cup. Then later on, I will see what I do with Arsenal."