Arsene Wenger believes that midfielder Mesut Ozil wants to stay at Arsenal, despite being heavily linked with a move away due to his contract being close to expiring.

The German has been rumoured to be attracting the interest of Manchester United, with reports that Jose Mourinho could make a move for the playmaker in January. However, Wenger says he ‘genuinely thinks’ that Ozil wants to stay at the Emirates, but offered no information on him signing a new deal.

“I cannot tell you what is in his mind. I genuinely think he wants to stay. But I am always positive about that,” said Wenger.

“We live in the world where people have opinions and sometimes they are right and sometimes they are not always proven right on the longer period.”

“You need players who have quality and Ozil is one of the best players in the world.”

The boss also insisted that Jack Wilshere will be on the plane to Russia with England’s World Cup squad if he can keep himself fit and avoid injury.

“If the competition was less ferocious, he is ready to play. I wouldn’t be scared to play him,” Wenger said.

“What I mean is that when I go to Europa League, people think I give the same importance. In the Premier League he can play, he is nearly back to his best now.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]