Manager Mikel Arteta has insisted Mesut Ozil's legacy at Arsenal is intact regardless of whether he plays for the club again.
The World Cup winner has entered the final six months of his lucrative deal with the Gunners – which is said to be worth some £350,000-a-week – and can now talk to overseas teams.
Arteta and Ozil's agent have both this week confirmed his future will become clearer in the coming days, with Fenerbahce and DC United linked with the playmaker who has made more than 250 appearances for Arsenal since he signed in 2013 from Real Madrid.
Ahead of the start of their FA Cup defence, the mood at Arsenal is more positive compared to how it was midway through December.
Pressure was building before a run of three consecutive wins – sparked by a derby victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day.
It was the Blues who Arsenal defeated on August 1 to win the FA Cup for a record 14th time and Arteta is determined to enjoy more success in the tournament.
"It was a beautiful day," the Spaniard said. "The last game of the season and everybody take off after that. It was a really difficult end to the year with all the Covid-19 situation we have in place, so obviously it was great to finish the season on a high.
"We will go after every competition. We are the holders, we have to defend that title and we know how it means to the football club and the history that is related to the FA Cup, so it is a great competition for us to play."
