Saturday 21 October 2017 08:53, UK
Arsene Wenger is confident Mesut Ozil will be "100 per cent" professional despite speculation suggesting the midfielder may be heading to Manchester United.
Several newspapers reported on Friday that the Germany international had told his Gunners team-mates that he will be making a January transfer move to Old Trafford.
Ozil has endured a difficult season with Arsenal so far in what may be his final year with the club, with his contract expiring in the summer.
That situation could lead to Ozil - for whom Wenger paid Real Madrid a £42.5m fee four years ago - leaving the Emirates in January for a cut-price fee.
But the Frenchman has faith in Ozil's conduct and told the club website: "We have to deal with all kinds of speculation when the players are at the end of their contracts.
"On the other hand, to be professional is to give 100 per cent as long as you are somewhere. For the rest, we came out many times and said that's the situation.
"It [the media] can come out tomorrow and say that he extends his contract here. It will be exactly the same, it will not change anything. When you play the next game, commit 100 per cent.
"When a player plays for Arsenal Football Club, his commitment cannot be linked with the length of his contract, it has just to be linked with the responsibility and the ambition he has to win the football game."
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wenger added: "It can be a problem for the press conferences, but for football players it is not exactly the same. He is responsible for his performances on the Saturday, he has a social contract with the rest of the players.
"Players going or not going it's not a new thing and that's why I tell you it's not an excuse. We all want to play football, and never miss a game in your life because of your future. You just focus on enjoying the day and giving absolutely everything."
The Arsenal manager was himself subject to constant speculation last season about his future after he delayed signing a new contract to stay at the club.
The Gunners won the FA Cup last season, but missed out on qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in his time at the club.
Asked if his contract situation had an effect on his side's performances, Wenger said: "It did, because it created a negative environment for the team.
"Every press conference became one dimensional. That was maybe not good."
The full interview with Arsene Wenger can be seen ahead of Everton vs Arsenal on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports from 12:30pm.
