Mesut Ozil has revealed he is happy and settled at Arsenal, but he refused to commit himself to the club beyond this season, even though he did confirm talks about his future are planned for the summer, per Rob Draperof theMail on Sunday.The Gunners' record signing, whose contract expires next summer, emphasised his trust in beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman's own deal will run out at the end of the season, and Ozil has said it's important for Arsenal's players to know if Wenger plans to re-sign.Ozil also referenced the criticism he often receives for apparently languid performances. However, the Germany international insisted he doesn't let the critics phase him.Speaking to Draper, Ozil expressed how happy he is in north London, while leaving the door ajar for a possible exit this summer: "I'm very happy. I have a connection with the club. I love London, it's great to live here but I can't say today what will happen in the future. In the summer we'll definitely talk."Speculation Ozil will move on has increased while Arsenal's season has unravelled since the calendar turned to 2017. The Gunners have gone from title contenders to merely scrapping for their annual spot in the top four and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.Ozil suggested there is a tendency to dwell on defeats in a squad not able to rebound quickly enough from losing: "We need to realise as a team that if things don't go for us, if we lose, we need to not dwell on it and focus on the next game. Sometimes you have the feeling when we lose, some players may lose self-confidence."Given how the Gunners have suffered through lengthy losing runs whenever their collective confidence has dipped, Ozil may have a point.Arsenal were knocked out of this season's edition of Europe's premier club competition after a humbling 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich. Ozil said ensuring a return to the competition next season has to be the club's priority ahead of discussions about his future: "The team have the aim to reach the Champions League, and I'll fight for that. In the summer we have enough time to talk about the future and we'll do that."Arsenal's hammering in Europe and tumble to fifth place domestically has naturally increased the pressure on Wenger, who hasn't won the league title since 2004. Yet Ozil believes Wenger should be appreciated more and revealed how the long-serving manager was the catalyst behind his decision to join Arsenal in 2014:When I went from Madrid to Arsenal, I came for him because I told him at the time he'd be my first option. That was the case. We still have a super understanding today.I have his trust, he's a superb coach. He's been successful for many years, he's been here for 20 years and has always manages to get Arsenal to reach the Champions League, making Arsenal a big club. He deserves to be shown respect.Ozil's rapport with Wenger could yet convince the classy schemer to sign a new deal. However, the player outlined the ambitions he still expects to meet in his Gunners career: "I want to win the Champions League and the title. I see this club as having the potential to win these trophies."It's debatable whether Wenger and Arsenal are equipped to help Ozil achieve those aims. Doing so would require building around arguably the most gifted provider of goals in England's top flight.He has indicated the club needs a bigger, better squad to compete in Europe: "When you look at our squad, it's not as broad as Bayern's or Real Madrid's. In the Champions League, that's not enough, especially against big teams, because they have more breadth in their squad."While Ozil's talent is not in doubt, many have questioned his desire and consistency. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was particularly forceful with his criticism of Ozil after the recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City in the league.However, Ozil has made it clear he shuts out the noise: "I hear a lot, but I don't give any worth to it. What the manager says is what's important to me. What experts say doesn't interest me and never will."Ironically, Ozil had provided an assist against City, supplying the Gunners' equaliser when he whipped a corner onto the head of centre-back Shkodran Mustafi. He followed that contribution with a goal and another assist during Wednesday's 3-0 win over West Ham United.Ozil is more productive than he's often given credit for. He has scored 10 times this season and provided nine assists, per WhoScored.com. Ozil is gifted enough to help Arsenal win the major trophies he covets.However, it will take a commitment from the Gunners to put better players around him. Players such as a world-class striker, a wide forward with pace and a technically accomplished midfield destroyer who would give Ozil the freedom to roam free in the final third.Without such a commitment, Ozil won't reach his full potential at Arsenal and his exit will be both inevitable and necessary.
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