“I genuinely think he wants to stay” – Arsenal boss Wenger makes claim regarding contract-rebel Mesut Ozil

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed his feeling towards Mesut Ozil’s contract situation.

The French tactician spoke to reporters following Arsenal’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Watford FC on Saturday.

Ozil came under harsh criticism for the Gunners defeat despite coming on halfway through the second half in place of Danny Wellbeck.

Wenger stated that he believes Ozil genuinely wants to stay at Arsenal despite failing to pen a new deal.

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“I cannot tell you what is in his mind. I genuinely think he wants to stay. But I am always positive about that,” Wenger was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Ozil has under nine months remaining on his contract with Arsenal and could end up leaving the club for free next summer.

Arsenal sit in sixth place in the Premier League following their defeat to Watford and face Serbian side Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Ozil joined the north London-based club back in September 2013 and has contributed 57 assists in 166 games since his move.