Ozil is going nowhere, promises Wenger

The Arsenal boss has dismissed reports that Juventus have enquired about the German playmaker, while he believes Manchester United have significantly strengthened their midfield

Arsene Wenger has rejected reports that Mesut Ozil could leave Arsenal this summer and insists the German will be a key player next season.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus recently, with manager Max Allegri thought to be on the lookout for a new No.10 to replace Carlos Tevez.

But Wenger has rubbished the claims and is adamant the Gunners’ club-record signing will remain in north London, while he is predicted big things from a player who has not always lived up to his £42.5 million price tag.

“During this period, the newspapers are creative and have to be creative, but many times the stories are created by agents,” said the Arsenal boss, who is in Singapore for the club’s pre-season tour.

“Ozil is our player, he will remain our player and wants to remain our player.

“It's a big season for him because he had a difficult start last year and in the second part of the season he was very important [for us]. He's improved his defensive attitude, he works hard and offensively he's a top-class player.

“There are many offensive players who have an important season in front of them but I’m confident because I think they have the quality.”
Arsenal had long been linked with a move for Southampton enforcer Morgan Schneiderlin, who is now on the verge of a move to Manchester United, and Wenger admits the Red Devils have strenghtened hugely this summer.

“We knew Manchester United would not be happy to finish outside the top three and that they would respond,” Wenger continued.

“They've made interesting buys; they came out of the season thinking 'we have to rebuild our midfield' and they did it by buying two important players, [Bastian] Schweinsteiger and [Morgan] Schneiderlin.

“They're two top-class players, one who goes up now to the top level and one who has done it all. So it should be interesting to see how they mix with the other players in midfield.”