Wenger denies contract talks have broken down with midfield maestro

Arsene Wenger has conceded contract talks with Mesut Ozil have slowed but refuted claims they have completely broken down.

Ozil has entered the final 12 months of his existing Arsenal deal and will be free to speak with foreign clubs in January.

The Germany international has turned down a contract offer in excess of £275,000-a-week to commit his long-term Arsenal future and is reportedly holding out for £350,000-a-week.

It was thought that Ozil would leave during the summer but there were surprisingly no takers for the 28-year-old and Wenger hopes Ozil will still be convinced to sign a new deal.

“Yes, of course [I am hopeful],” The Daily Mirror quote Wenger as saying on Wednesday ahead of their Europa League clash with Cologne.

“The contract talks have slowed down a little bit since August 31, because we need a little breather and to focus on the competition. But we will slowly get back into that.”

No player has registered more key passes in the Premier League this season than Ozil (15).