Huge Snag in Arsenal Negotiations As Duo Demand Combined £500,000 Per Week Mega Deal

Arsenal’s protracted contract extension talks with star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have reportedly hit a very expensive snag, one that could cost the club in the region of £36 million to overcome.

According to the Times, the pair have increased their wage demands to an eye-watering £250,000 per week. To anyone counting, that’s an increase of some £70,000 on what was originally discussed when negotiations first began last season.

The London club has been trying to tie down the pivotal duo for over a year now, with five year contracts reportedly growing dusty on the table.

However, both have been stalling, choosing instead to put talks off until the end of the last season. International duties during the summer saw further delays and it is only now, with the new Premier League season underway, that the club and players appear to be getting back to negotiations.

Failure to meet the players’ massive wage demands would see Arsenal risk losing two of their most important players and you might well assume that the likes of Real Madrid, Ozil’s former club, and other top sides from around Europe, are monitoring the situation as it develops.

Fans will also be looking at the evolving situation with some nervousness. While other Premier League sides, such as Chelsea and both Manchester clubs, already dole out amounts similar to those demanded by the Arsenal pair, the Gunners have, until now, not had to entertain such lofty wage bills.

It seems now however that this may be about to change. To lose either Ozil or Sanchez would be to see the club’s title ambitions take a serious hit, never mind the guaranteed backlash from the fans.

Arsène Wenger now needs to decide just how much those ambitions are worth to him.

Mesut Ozil, Harry Kane, and N'Golo Kante can shine during opening weekend

August is an edgy time in the Premier League calendar.

The new season is set to get underway, but with the transfer window yet to slam shut, most clubs still aren't quite sure exactly how their squad will look by the end of it.

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With some huge deals already done, plenty of new signings will be hoping to impress over the first weekend of action since May.

Teaming up with fantasy football product DraftKings, we take a look at some of the key battles that could decide the opening day fixtures.

N'GOLO KANTE VS. MARK NOBLE (CHELSEA VS. WEST HAM)

There's always only going to be one winner here. N'Golo Kante will make his competitive debut for Chelsea and we've no doubt he's going to run the midfield for Antonio Conte's side.

Mark Noble was one of West Ham's brightest sparks as they finished sixth last season and he'll want to continue that form. Old boss Sam Allardyce's appointment as England manager can only aid his chances of a Three Lions call-up, so he'll be really pushing for that in the coming months.

The big fantasy statistics for this pair are two that frequently go under the radar – interceptions (worth +0.5 fantasy points) and tackles won (+1 fantasy point). The words 'interception' and 'Kante' are basically interchangeable now anyway, so it's obvious who's the better choice.

Click here to select N'Golo Kante. 

ROMELU LUKAKU VS. HARRY KANE (EVERTON VS. TOTTENHAM)

Players score +10 fantasy points per goal on DraftKings, so last season's Golden Boot winner Harry Kane is a solid choice.

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Kane spent the last term defying those who had called him a one-season wonder, but he's got to prove his doubters wrong all over again after his displays at the Euros.

He definitely won't be on corner kicks this time, so he can capitalise on Everton's shaky defence by grabbing a goal, assuming Ronald Koeman hasn't had time to perfect it just yet.

As for Lukaku, his future remains uncertain. Some centre forwards would take the opportunity to put themselves in the shop window, but the way the Belgian striker went off the boil after March suggests he might not be scoring regularly again until he gets his move.

On the final day of last season, he earned 2.8 fantasy points, compared to a year-long average of 10.8, so that tells you everything about how his mood can harm his game.

Click here to select Harry Kane. 

MESUT OZIL VS. GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM (ARSENAL VS. LIVERPOOL)

Liverpool may have splashed out on their new midfielder, but it's up to the Dutchman to prove they haven't overpaid. It's going to be hard for him to outshine Ozil, though, as the German playmaker is set for another year as ‘King of Assists’, with each one earning fantasy managers +6 points.

To put the two players in perspective, Wijnaldum got five assists last term, while Ozil racked up 19.

Nonetheless, Wijnaldum was one of the few Newcastle players to impress despite their relegation and also scored two in four for the Netherlands in their international friendlies this summer. Arsenal have a ridiculous number of players missing, with their defence seemingly in turmoil. 

The Gunners won't want to lose the ball or else Wijnaldum can add to the 11 goals he scored last season. For overall contribution, though, Ozil's the man here, particularly as Liverpool have their own defensive crisis to deal with.

Click here to select Mesut Ozil.

Photo: Mesut Ozil sends heartfelt message to Arsenal team-mate

Mesut Ozil has a message for Alexis Sanchez...

Mesut Ozil has taken to social media to congratulate Alexis Sanchez on his Copa America triumph with Chile over the weekend.

The Arsenal forward helped his side beat Argentina on penalties to win the tournament for the second year running and add another trophy to his international collection.

Sanchez was also rewarded for his fine displays for Chile by winning the Golden Ball award, which is given to the tournament’s best player.

And Gunners playmaker Ozil was quick to take to social media to congratulate Sanchez on his successful tournament in the USA.

Ozil posted the picture above of the duo in action for Arsenal on his personal Instagram account and wrote: “Congrats to my Arsenal teammate alexis_officia1 for becoming player of the tournament and CopaAmerica champion! AFC Chile”

Sanchez joined Arsenal from Barcelona in the summer of 2014 and has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers, helping them to win the FA Cup in his first season at the north London club.

However, he and Ozil were forced to settle for a trophyless campaign last term.

Mesut Ozil sends Arsenal fans into afternoon meltdown with just three words

Arsenal fans are a sensitive bunch.

When their team is on form they’re a cracking influence to have around.

But when they’re not…

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And Mesut Ozil has risked the wrath of the Gunners fanbase after a Q & A he ran on Twitter earlier today.

One German fan asked the Arsenal midfielder if he would ever play in the Bundesliga again, to which he replied:

Arsenal: Mesut Ozil’s Faith All That’s Needed

Arsenal have failed yet again, but it is not all lost. Mesut Ozil still has faith and so long as he does, we have no reason to doubt the club’s capabilities.

No matter where you look, the message is the same – Arsenal failed. In a wide open year to win the title, Arsenal collapsed on themselves like a black hole. It’s tragic, unfortunate, and grounds to be upset. But it’s not the end of the world and Arsenal’s biggest star is helping remind us of that.

“You can realise your dreams here, and if we get in a few more good players, I think that will happen,” Mesut Ozil said, via the Evening Standard.

It may not seem like much, but hearing Mesut Ozil’s faith is all that I need to stay confident that things can get better. Next year (it’s that ‘next year’ argument again…) is an incredibly promising opportunity. Many point to Pep Guardiola or Conte or Mourinho and say Arsenal have no chance. But if you’re the best team, there is no need to worry about who else is out there.

This Arsenal team is strong. A few tweaks to the equation and they could be world beaters. It sounds pretty likely that Granit Xhaka will come to Arsenal. I don’t think I need to point out how huge that is. Finally, a strong midfielder who can wreak havoc in the middle of the pitch.

Per Mertesacker is essentially done, so a new center back – or improvement from Calum Chambers or Krystian Bielik – could be on the horizon as well.

But perhaps more importantly, Arsenal is going to get younger. Jon Toral, Gedion Zelalem, Jeff Reine-Adelaide and more will look to have the impact that Alex Iwobi had this year. Which, speaking of Iwobi, he will only get better as well.

Now that Alexis is on the right, he is stepping up his relevance too. Nobody major is leaving this summer. We can cross that fear out of our minds. Arsenal is a different club, one of the rare clubs that doesn’t operate like a revolving door. Arsene Wenger does have a renewed sense of urgency. Next year is the year.

It’s easy to be down on our luck after seeing Arsenal blow this massive opportunity, but I find it just as easy to be optimistic. Arsenal is not some vacuum that sucks the quality out of players. These guys we have are capable of bringing home a title against whoever Guardiola can cook up.

Arsenal reschedule West Ham, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Norwich games

Arsenal have notified fans about their fixtures against West Ham, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Norwich that have been rescheduled for television purposes. 

Their trip away to West Ham that was originally set to take place at 3 p.m on Saturday, April 9, will now kick off at 12:45 p.m instead.

The second fixture to be rescheduled is their home match against Crystal Palace which was originally being played on Saturday, April 16, but is now due to be played on Sunday, April 17 at 4 p.m.

However, the club say that the game could yet revert to Saturday, April 16 (a possible 5.30 p.m kick off), and that final confirmation of the date and kick off time is subject to a number of factors including Arsenal's progress in The Emirates FA Cup. 

The third fixture changed is their away match against Sunderland, which was going to take place on Saturday, April 23, has been moved to a 2:05 p.m kick off on Sunday, April 24.

Similarly to the Crystal Palace game, the date and kick off time of this match is yet to be completely confirmed based on Arsenal's Emirates FA Cup participation.

The final fixture date to be altered is against Norwich, on Saturday, April 30 which has been changed from a 3 p.m to a 5:30 p.m kick off. 

The statement mentions that this particular tie could yet switch to Sunday, May 1 (possible 4 p.m kick off) due to a number of factors, including the progress of English Clubs in European competitions.

It is likely that that there will be more clarity around this fixture at some point between mid-March and mid-April.

The 'standard' TV selections have now been made up to the end of April 2016. Ordinarily, fixtures up to this date will not now change. However, as ever, all fixtures remain subject to change and circumstances may yet arise which result in further fixture changes.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil relishing No. 10 role - 'I don't need goals for my ego'

Mesut Ozil has said his excellent form for Arsenal this season is down to him playing in a No. 10 position for the club.

Ozil, 27, has impressed for Arsenal, recording 11 assists in the Premier League and scoring three goals in all competitions.

The Germany international, who signed for the Gunners from Real Madrid for £42.5 million in 2013, said he is enjoying his football at Emirates Stadium.

"I am an absolute team player. I don't need goals for my ego," he told Sport 1. "Whoever is positioned best in front of the goal should shoot. But I understand that I need to try to score myself from time to time. I do that now."

"On top of it all, that I have my position as the No. 10 in midfield now. And you should also not forget that we've got a super team, and get along really well.

"We all know how the others play, and you also predict the running path of a teammate in a situation."

When asked whether his good run of form could make the difference in the title race, Ozil said: "Not because of Mesut Ozil, but with Mesut Ozil.

"We've twice won the FA Cup, and won the Charity Shield this summer too. We definitely want to improve that. Should we continue like that, and become just a tiny bit more consistent, it can work out. But the others don't sleep."

Prior to the season, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger challenged Ozil to score more goals, and, following his header in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb, praised Ozil.

Wenger told BT Sport: ""He had an outstanding first half, he has got the taste for scoring now. "I've never seen him in the box so many times this season, especially in the last five or six games."

Arsenal to receive 'serious' bid for Mesut Ozil next summer - agent

FENERBAHCE are 'serious' about wanting to sign Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, according to his agent.

Ozil became Arsenal's record signing when he joined from Real Madrid in 2013 for £42.5million.

The 26-year-old has flattered to deceive at times, despite winning two FA Cup trophies during his time at the Emirates.

And after learning of Fenerbahce's interest earlier in the year, Ozil admitted he would welcome a move to Istanbul at some point in his career.

He was quoted as saying in July: "In the future I want to wear a Fenerbahce shirt. It would be an honour. Everyone knows I am a Fenerbahce fan."

Fenerbahce to accelerate Mesut Ozil interest at the end of the season

His agent believes the Turkish giants could make a move for the German World Cup winner as early as next summer.

Erkut Sogut told Vatan: "Fenerbahce are serious but it all depends on what answer Arsenal give. It will all become clear at the end of the season."

But Fenerbahce are likely to fail in their pursuit as Arsene Wenger has no desire to sell the former Schalke and Werder Breman star.

In response to Juventus' interest in the summer, the Gunners boss said: "Ozil is our player, will remain our player and wants to remain our player."

Arsenal fans react on Twitter to Mesut Ozil's performance as a striker

Arsenal fans felt Mesut Ozil offered more than Olivier Giroud did after filling in for the striker against Dinamo Zagreb.

Olivier Giroud's sending off prompted Arsene Wenger to experiment as he tried to find a way for Arsenal recover against Dinamo Zagreb.

Arsenal ended up losing 2-1, becoming the third English side to suffer defeat in their opening Champions League game.

Theo Walcott, on as a substitute, scored Arsenal's goal in the second half, but it was Mesut Ozil who took up more of a central forward role.

The German was a lively presence in attack, and actually offered the movement Olivier Giroud is unable to.

Ozil was playing in a position he is unaccustomed to for Arsenal, but has done so for Germany playing as a 'False Nine'. When Walcott was brought on for Sanchez, he simply slotted in for the Chilean out wide.

His role is not likely one Arsenal are likely to repeat by choice, but given their lack of options up front, it is a possibility they are pushed into doing so again.

Typically when Arsenal suffer a lacklustre defeat in Europe, Ozil is one of the first players to be criticised, but the effort he made in the second half saw him become one of the few players to emerge with any credit from the surprise defeat.

Here is a look at how fans reacted to his display... 

Arsene Wenger invested in Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, not Karim Benzema

Arsene Wenger does not believe Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema would automatically transform Arsenal into Premier League winners.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil celebrates his goal against Aston Villa during their English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London, February 1, 2015. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Arsenal’s record scorer, Thierry Henry, has said the acquisition of Benzema, who has been linked with a move to north London this summer, would spur Arsenal to their first league title since 2004.

But Wenger, speaking ahead of his side’s opener against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, said his squad should instead take a collective approach to their scoring duties.

“I respect Thierry Henry a lot for his football knowledge but it is not as mathematical as that,” Wenger said. “We have to develop our collective game and depend less on one guy who comes in and scores all the goals.”

Every Premier League title winner since 2009 has boasted one player who has scored at least 20 goals.

But while Wenger acknowledged the importance of a free-scoring striker, he called on players such as Mesut Ozil, in his third campaign with the club, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who netted the winner against Chelsea in the Community Shield, to improve their scoring tallies from midfield.

“It is important but maybe we can share that,” Wenger said. “I think Olivier Giroud would not have been far from 20 if he played the whole of last season and Theo Walcott, as well.

“I don’t see why a guy like Chamberlain should not have an ambition to score 10 goals, Sanchez can score goals, too.

“Ozil has to fix himself a target of at least 10. For a guy who plays behind the striker you want more from him on the goalscoring so we can a little bit share that.”

Arsenal will head into their opener against West Ham without Jack Wilshere after he was sidelined for up to four weeks with a hairline fracture to his left fibula.

It marks the latest setback for the 23-year-old midfielder, but Wenger is hopeful Wilshere will become less susceptible to injuries with age.

“Your body settles down at 23 and adapts,” Wenger said. “I have developed many, many young players and many who were injury-prone at 19, 20, 21.

“You think they will always be injured, but at 23 suddenly their bodies adapted.

“Ashley Cole had ankle problems, Gael Clichy and Robin van Persie also had surgeries before the age of 23 but after that they suddenly settled.”