Mesut Ozil is adamant that Arsenal are still in the Premier League title race despite falling further behind leaders Chelsea in recent weeks.

Arsenal have won just two of their last five league matches and now sit eight points behind Antonio Conte's side after 20 games.

Back-to-back defeats by Everton and Manchester City and a draw with Bournemouth have rocked the north London side and left them sitting fifth in the table.

Mesut Ozil insists that Arsenal are still in the title race despite their recent poor form

However, when asked in an interview with Kicker whether Arsenal were out of the title race, Ozil said: 'Definitely not, the past has shown that too. A year ago we were top of the league and quite a few people thought we'd be champions.

'Now Chelsea are in that situation but the season is long. We need (to go on) a run, then quickly you're at the top again.

'I am convinced that we can still reach our target. With the new players, for example Granit Xhaka and Shkodran Mustafi, we have more potential. And we have better team spirit.'

Meanwhile, contract discussions between Ozil and the Gunners are still ongoing and the Arsenal faithful are desperate for him to sign a new deal alongside Alexis Sanchez.

The German addsd that Arsenal must go on a run to catch up with league leaders Chelsea

The German playmaker added that he is ready to commit his long-term future to Arsenal but only if Arsene Wenger is still at the helm.

'I am very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know that I would be ready to sign a new contract,' Ozil said.

'The fans want that I stay and now it is just down to the club.

'They know that I am here most of all because of Arsene Wenger. He is the one who signed me and he is the one whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want to be clear what the manager is going to do.'

The 28-year-old has not played since the 1-0 win over West Brom on Boxing Day after picking up a flu bug and the club will be hopeful that he will be available for the match with Swansea on Saturday afternoon.