Mesut Ozil agrees lucrative new deal to extend Arsenal stay

Mesut Ozil has reportedly agreed a lucrative new deal with Arsenal which will see him remain at the club beyond 2018, which is when his current deal expires. The Germany midfielder had revealed that he will open talks with the Gunners after they had been halted owing to his participation in the European Championships with Germany.

According to German publication Bild, via The Sun, the midfielder has put speculation regarding his club future to bed by agreeing a new long-term deal, but the details of the length of the contract are yet to be revealed. Apart from a new deal, the midfielder is also said to have negotiated a deal to take the number 10 jersey, which is currently in the possession of Jack Wilshere.

The England international is not part of the first-team this season after leaving the club on a temporary basis to join Bournemouth on a season-long loan and it is believed that Ozil will be handed the coveted jersey number. The Germany international had made it clear earlier in the summer that he wants the number 10 shirt, as it is perfect for the position he operates in for the Gunners.

The 27-year-old midfielder's commitment will come as a massive boost for Arsenal, who have been desperate to tie him down to a new deal. Arsene Wenger was keen to extend the player's contract and will be delighted with the midfielder's decision. The new deal will make the German the highest earning player at Arsenal and it is said to be a big increase on his current £140,000-a-week package.

Ozil is not the only player on Arsenal's list, with the club also keen to tie down Alexis Sanchez to a new deal. The Chilean's current contract expires in 2018 and they are keen to make sure he agrees a new deal, which could also see him become one of the top earners.