German international will discuss future after tour

Mesut Ozil has revealed it is “definitely my preference to stay” at Arsenal.

Like Alexis Sanchez, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City during the summer transfer window, German playmaker Ozil is entering the final year of his current contract.

The 28-year-old, signed from Real Madrid in September 2013 for a then club record fee of £42.4million, maintains he is hopeful of being able to continue his career at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking at the launch of Arsenal’s third kit in Sydney, during their pre-season tour of Australia, Ozil said in quotes posted on the club’s official website: “It is definitely my preference to stay. It is such a great club and I have always said that I feel very good at Arsenal.

“Once everyone is back in London we will sit down and discuss about the future.

“For now the most important thing is our pre-season and getting through the tour, training and getting fitness. When I’m back in London, we will sit down and discuss.”

New record signing Alexandre Lacazette has travelled Down Under with the club, following his move from Lyon last week, with Arsene Wenger’s men due to take on Sydney FC today (Thursday) and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.

The Frenchman has already been compared to former Gunners great Ian Wright, who netted 185 goals for the club in a seven-year spell.

And Lacazette admitted it was an honour to be spoken of in the same breath as Arsenal’s second highest goalscorer, telling the club website: “I know about Ian Wright very well. I’ve never seen him play, but if I am compared to him that is great.

“If I have a career where fans think of me like they do about Ian Wright then I’ll be very happy.

“I have arrived at a very special club, a very good club who are very organised. With the other players in the team, there are very high levels so it is a great opportunity for me to imnprove.”

Following their two matches in Australia, the Gunners move on to China where they will face Bayern Munich on July 19 and Premier League rivals Chelsea three days later.