Report: Ozil's Arsenal future in doubt as club stalls on extension talks

Mesut Ozil's Arsenal future is in limbo amid reports that the north London side has not offered an extension on his deal scheduled to expire in 2021.

Arsenal have yet to launch negotiations with the 31-year-old, and now it seems increasingly likely that Ozil will either leave at the end of the 2019-20 campaign or on a free transfer next summer, according to ESPN UK's James Olley.

Resistance to extending the German's contract would be consistent with cost-cutting measures the Gunners have employed due to revenue losses amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The World Cup winner, who earns a team-high £350,000 a week, penned a new deal with Arsenal in January 2018. Ozil's contract was initially praised as a symbol of lofty intent during a spell when former chief executive Ivan Gazidis' tenure in north London had dramatically soured.

Ozil's reputation at the club has since changed, however, and he was reportedly told he could leave last summer as he struggled to acclimate to Unai Emery's tactical demands. Ozil has enjoyed a revival of sorts under Mikel Arteta, starting all 10 league matches since the Spaniard's appointment in December, but it's unclear if he's part of Arteta's long-term vision.

Following fan favorite Aaron Ramsey's exit on a free transfer to Juventus, Arsenal are reportedly desperate to avoid letting contracts lapse without getting anything in return.

That mindset could impact Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose contract also expires in 2021. Aubameyang is understood to earn £200,000 in weekly wages, and the disparity in pay between the reigning Golden Boot winner and Ozil could be used as a bargaining chip by the Gabonese striker's representatives.

Ozil has previously been linked with a move to MLS side D.C. United, while Fenerbahce, AC Milan, and Inter have all been mentioned as potential suitors whose interest is hindered by his exorbitant wages. The playmaker has publicly expressed a desire to see out his current deal at Arsenal.