According to reports in the Daily Mail, Arsenal have launched one last effort to keep Mesut Ozil at the club just three weeks before he can sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from abroad.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Germany international's deal with the Gunners runs out next summer and with no new one agreed, the 29-year-old will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of the Premier League in the January transfer window.

However, the Daily Mail says that Arsenal haven't yet given up hope of persuading Ozil to stay, and they are willing to offer the playmaker a deal worth almost £300,000-a-week, which is what the player is looking for.

The Daily Mail says that if he does put pen to paper then he will be the highest earner in the north London outfit's history, although the report adds that Manchester United and Barcelona are both watching developments closely.

How has Ozil performed this season?

It appeared as though the contract negotiations and uncertainty over his future had affected the 29-year-old in the early stages of the campaign as he failed to score a goal or provide an assist in his first six Premier League appearances.

However, the German has two goals and five assists in his previous seven top flight outings, which has seen Arsenal step up their bid to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.

Will he sign the new deal?

It's difficult to say.

While Ozil wants a deal that matches his demands financially, the Germany international will also need to be convinced about the Gunners' ambition and their desire and ability to win trophies, as he is at a stage of his career where that is perhaps becoming more important.

Arsenal already look to be out of the Premier League title race, and while they look to have a good chance of winning the Europa League it remains to be seen whether that is enough to make the 29-year-old stay – especially with one of their star players in Alexis Sanchez looking likely to go.

The chance to speak to Barcelona in January or join the club of his choice next summer may also be too tempting an opportunity for the attacking midfielder to ignore.

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