Arsenal transfer news: Mesut Ozil is NOT going to return to Real Madrid, insists Lucas Perez

German playmaker has been linked with move back to La Liga as Gunners contract talks continue

ARSENAL striker Lucas Perez reckons Mesut Ozil is going nowhere.

Ozil, 28, has been linked with an Emirates exit as a new Gunners deal is yet to be finalised.

Reports in Germany have suggested the former Real Madrid star would jump at the chance to return to the Bernabeu.

But Spanish striker Perez, also 28, said: “No, I don’t think Ozil wants to return to Spain.

“You never know. Real Madrid is a big club – but so is Arsenal.”

Ozil has shone in North London since his £42.5million move to Arsenal in September 2013.

The midfielder has scored six so far this season and was man of the match against Ludogorets on Wednesday after scoring a brilliant Champions League hat-trick.

Ozil is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract with the Gunners, as are Alexis Sanchez and boss Arsene Wenger.

And Wenger has urged assist-king Ozil to sign a new deal as he is in “the right place”.

He said: “We are always in touch and that’s our desire.

“Mesut Ozil is 28 years old. He is in the prime of his career. We want him to contribute to the success of the club in the future.

“They want to be happy. They are happy at the club and I want them to commit to the club because I believe they are in the right place.”

Meanwhile, Perez, who has made just one Premier League start since his £17m move from Deportivo La Coruna this summer, admitted he expected to play a bigger part for Arsenal.

He told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: “When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role.

“The team-mates that are playing in my position are doing a great job. We have won seven games in a row and, at the end of the day, the coach wants what is best for the team.

“I had hoped to have more playing time, but what I have to do now is make the most of the opportunities I get.”