Mesut Ozil has rubbished suggestions he has a bad relationship with Arsenal manager Unai Emery and insists he wants to see out the remainder of his contract at the club.
The Germany international is not a natural fit in Emery’s plans and there have been suggestions all season the Gunners are keen to offload Ozil’s enormous wages.
Ozil was linked with a move away from Arsenal in January and has been again for the summer, but the 30-year-old insists his immediate future is in north London.
“No [issues with Emery]. Definitely not. There’s always speculation, everyone inside knew that our situation is positive,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s frustrating [not playing]. I want to play in every game. Through injury I’ve missed games but that’s football.
“As a footballer you always want to start games. The coach makes decisions which means you may not start but you have to keep going.”
“Absolutely [I want to stay]. I’ve got two more years on my contract. I don’t know after that but I’ve got two years left.
“I’m 30 now, still got years in front of me, it’s down to the club as well of course, but I’ve got two years here - after that I don’t know what happens.”
Ozil has only started 19 league matches this season and part of the reason why Emery has no money to spend is down to the fact the German absorbs so much of their budget in wages.
Despite managing more than 500 fewer minutes in the Premier League this season, Ozil has bettered his goal tally (five) from last term (four).