Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil’s telling lack of suitors sees Arsene Wenger hold the cards on new deal.

The gifted German playmaker was signed by the club amid great fanfare over his special talents but the long-serving Frenchman looks to be losing faith in him.

As his four-year deal ticks down to its final months his representatives have been making conciliatory noises about the German signing a new deal – but the Arsenal boss appears to be growing frustrated with £42.5 million man.

However Wenger, who had always previously supported his man, and had gone on record as saying he wanted the former Real Madrid man to extend his stay in North London appears to have changed his tune.

Many believe Ozil’s poor performance in the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Liverpool at the end of August finally forced Wenger to re-evaluate his views on the talented but mercurial midfielder.

With the expected queue of clubs vying for his signature failing to materialise the cards appear to be stacked firmly in Wenger and the club’s favour – and he knows it.

He said: “Of course [Ozil] is important. But I have many ­players – we have spoken about Jack Wilshere, Alex Iwobi.

“They are all players who play in this similar position and it is very interesting because it gives me a lot of opportunities to keep them all focused and refreshed.

“You need players who have quality and Ozil is one of the best players in the world.

“He is working hard now, he is only one week back in training, since Monday he has joined in. He has worked hard. He will come back.”

With Ozil’s representatives looking for a deal worth £350,000 a week – but with a noticeable lack of top level clubs interested – is Ozil now happy to stay at Arsenal on a new, improved deal?

“You should ask him that question,” said Wenger. “I cannot tell you what is really in his mind. I think he wants to stay.

“Have we had interested ­offers for him? I wouldn’t ­disclose that.”