Wenger admits Ozil contract talks 'slowed down' amid Man Utd links

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that contract talks with Mesut Ozil slowed down, but he remains hopeful of re-signing the soon-to-be free agent.

Ozil, like team-mate and Manchester City target Alexis Sanchez, is out of contract at the end of the season and the Germany international has been linked with a move away from Arsenal - with Manchester United the latest to be credited with interest, as Jose Mourinho has worked with Ozil before at Real Madrid.

As doubts grow over the World Cup winner - who will miss Arsenal's Europa League opener against Cologne on Thursday - Wenger said: "Of course [I am hopeful].

"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."

While Arsenal will be without Ozil ahead of their trip to Premier League champions Chelsea, they will finally be able to call upon Jack Wilshere.

UCJ, UNILORIN.