Question marks over Mesut Ozil's future have loomed large over the Emirates for some time now, with many an Arsenal supporter curious to whether the elusive German play-maker will pen a new deal at the club or alternatively reject a contract extension and head for pastures new.
The 29-year-old's current deal terminates in the summer of 2018, and with the January transfer window being imminent, the possibility of the north-Londoners cashing-in on the midfielder is becoming a plausible reality, rather than letting him depart for free.
But Arsene Wenger, the Gunners' esteemed boss, did shed a glimmer of light upon the pressing situation, revealing that although "negotiations are always ongoing", he'd prefer to remain as "discreet" as possible, instead of divulging all the juicy, tell-tale details.
Hush-Hush
Ozil is often criticised for failing to turn up when it matters most in an Arsenal jersey. Despite his lack of presence on the odd occasion, there's simply no doubt that he's one of the club's most effective, influential craftsmen on the ball. Speaking at a press conference - via a report published by Mirror - Wenger said, "negotiations are always ongoing" with every member of the squad.
Whether it's "two years to go", "one year to go" or even "three months to go", his office "door is always open." However, 'Le Prof', despite being quizzed on the matter, proceeded to insist that he could not "tell you much more."
Silence is evidently golden for the French tactician as "the best way to deal with these sort of things is to keep it discreet as possible". A muted approach fundamentally means the supposed talks can take place without the pressures of the media praying upon every word uttered. Though there's certainly no smoke without fire, no matter how much it's played down on the surface.
Figures
It's believed that Arsenal have already fluttered a renewed deal worth a staggering £250k-a-week to ensure that Ozil remains at the Gunners for the foreseeable future, a sum which would make him one of the club's undisputed top earners.
The former Real Madrid star is recognised as one of the game's best distributors, with a fine-tuned sixth sense when it comes to finding a teammate on the park, as well as the net.
During the 2017-18 campaign thus far: Ozil has managed to feature 13 times for Wenger's fold in the Premier League, notching two goals and offering his colleagues 5 assists in the process. A record which oozes visionary class. There's hope that Wenger has a wily trick up his sleeve to persuade Ozil to stay. For now all that's left to dissect upon is chats - regardless of who they are with - are indeed apparent.