In a week that has seen a lot of turmoil in the Arsenal camp, culminating in the departure of the Chilean Alexis Sanchez bound for Manchester Utd, and in the other direction, as part of the same deal, the arrival of Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan; Arsene Wenger now believes he sees signs that their German striker, Mesut Ozil, may be ready to extend his contract.

However, before Gooners can start getting their flags out, a word of caution.

At this stage of the game, the optimism is purely in Wenger’s interpretation of Ozil’s recent performances on the pitch.

Ozil could be next to go

Mesut Ozil is now in the last six months of his current contract. At the end of this commitment, he could, if he wants to, leave on what would be a free transfer that would prove personally lucrative. It is something of a coincidence that the German international has also been linked in a possible move to Sanchez’s new club, Manchester United.

The Arsenal manager, however, believes that the masterful form that Ozil has displayed on the pitch of late is an indication that the player could be keen to stay where he is. It is still early stages as yet, but Mr Wenger has told the press that the club’s intention is to retain Ozil’s services and that they hope to cement that in the near future.

Hold on to Wilshere

Another plus for Arsenal at the moment, is the form that Jack Wilshere is currently displaying. When asked recently about Wilshere, Ray Wilkins thought he should leave Arsenal because he wasn’t a regular starter. But with the way he is playing at this point in time, Arsenal would do well to keep hold of him and offer to extend his contract.

Ozil’s body language is all positive

According to Wenger, the feeling that Ozil is emanating, his fierce commitment, his intense focus and his desire to perform to the highest level possible, are all indications of a player who wants to stay put. There are, however, other takes on the situation, and they come from an old Arsenal stalwart and favourite Martin Keown.

Keown disagrees

Keown acknowledges that the Gunners have set themselves up for a lot of criticism regarding the way that they have responded to the dwindling contracts of their best players. They have a tendency to allow them to run to the end. Keown, who played for Arsenal for 11-years, is of the opinion that the atmosphere at the club, as a result, is one of negativity.

It is because of this negative feeling that Keown thinks Ozil will be on his bike come summer. He says that It seems as though Arsenal have allowed themselves to be dictated to by the players. It’s the tail wagging the dog.

If you look back to last summer, Arsenal could have done a deal with Sanchez for £60-million. Instead, and with their poor attitude, Arsenal eventually parted company with Sanchez and got no financial benefit. The one silver lining is that they managed to get Henrikh Mkhitaryan in part-exchange.

Wenger keeps his cards close to his chest

With regards to other signings in the January window, Arsene Wenger is keeping his cards close to his chest. All he is prepared to say right now is that the club are far from being close to signing anyone. However, he promises they will recruit someone if it proves possible.