Wenger: Ozil can become legend if he remains at Arsenal

Manager Arsene Wenger has tipped Mesut Ozil to follow in the footsteps of Dennis Bergkamp and become an Arsenal legend if he remains in north London.

The German midfielder, whose contract expires in 2018, is currently in the midst of a superb start to the season after scoring seven goals - including a sublime winner to ensure a 3-2 victory over Ludogorets in the Champions League on Tuesday - and registering three assists in all competitions.

However, uncertainty over his long-term future with the club persists as talks over a new Arsenal contract have been ongoing throughout much of the year.

Wenger compared Ozil's situation to that of Bergkamp, suggesting that Ozil must commit his future to the club if he wants to reach legendary status.

"Dennis Bergkamp committed for a long period and played until he was 38," Wenger told reporters, according to Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph. "To become a legend at the club you need to stay for a long time. If you stay two years, you would not be a legend. I wish we have 10 more years of Ozil.”

Wenger added that he's noticed a change in Ozil's work ethic, but would not elaborate on negotiations between the club and the German's representatives.

“It looks to me (that Ozil's happy,)" Wenger said. "He pushes himself much more. Sometimes the trap for very talented players is it is easy for them. They know subconsciously they don't need to push themselves too hard to be efficient. It's so easy. A player needs to meet his needs inside a club. It is difficult not to be happy in London. I believe that the happiness of a player out by his performance.”

Ozil will look to continue his impressive season during one of Arsenal's biggest matches of the season Sunday when the club hosts north London rivals Tottenham.