Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Mesut Ozil ended up signing a contract extension with the Gunners due to a lack of interest in the Germany international.

Ozil ended up putting pen to paper on a new deal with Arsenal earlier this month making him the highest paid player in the Gunners History.

The deal put an end to months of speculation linking the playmaker with a move away from the north London based club.

However, Ian Wright believes Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United played a big part in Ozil signing a new deal at Arsenal.

According to Wright, Ozil did not have as many clubs chasing him as Sanchez did and stated that Arsenal were forced in to tabling a bumper new deal after watching the Chilean leave.

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“At the end of the day I was very surprised that he signed,” Ian Wright told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“On a free I think he would be worth it in a team like that (Man City).

“The fact is there wasn’t enough takers, maybe he realised that after the fact that Sanchez has gone.

“So then what happens is Arsenal couldn’t afford to lose both of them.

“So he finds himself in a position where he signs this massive contract.”

Ozil played the full 90 minutes during Arsenal 3-0 defeat at the hands of Man City on Sunday.

The Germany international is available for selection once again when Arsenal host City at the Emirates on Thursday night.