You'd forgive Arsenal fans for thinking Mesut Ozil had all but left when the Mirror reported in October that he'd told his teammates he was leaving for Manchester United.

In the end, it was Alexis Sanchez who made the switch to Old Trafford with Arsene Wenger embarking upon a hectic January transfer window that reaped the arrivals of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In the opinion of many Gooners, though, neither signing compared to the contract extension handed to Ozil just six months away from his previous deal's expiration.

Despite Arsenal having a long shot at the top four at best, no Champions League football and having freshly sold their star player, Ozil made the decision to commit to the Gunners until 2021.

However, it wasn't without sacrifice for the north London club who practically blew their wage structure out of the water to secure the German's future.

Arsenal alter their wage structure for Ozil

Arsenal shelled out wages of £350,000-a-week for the ex-Real Madrid man, a remarkable rise upon the £140,000-a-week figures he was given under his 2013 deal.

Funnily enough, though, Arsenal fans haven't really batted an eyelid given the lucrative money flying around the modern game and his importance to the side.

However, a report by the Daily Mail suggests the financial sacrifice made by Arsenal could in fact have major implications for two players.

The wages that the club shelled out for Ozil have limited the club's ability to hand equally weighty fees to other players approaching the ends of their contracts. Furthermore, the fact Ozil's wages could see fellow teammates demand equally inflated fees, too, makes it a double edged sword.

Implications for Ramsey and Welbeck

One of the players effected is Aaron Ramsey. Arsenal are currently in negotiations to prolong his contract but talks are dragging as 'fears grow' that their offers won't satisfy the Welshman.

He currently earns £110,000-a-week but anticipated pay rise demands could see the Gunners in a difficult position going into the summer. His current contract runs out at the end of the 2018-19 season.

There is a similar situation surrounding Danny Welbeck who would also be free to leave the club at the end of next season. 

After the £200,000-a-week deals for Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang, the Englishman is believed to be in a rush to agree new terms. To avoid a Sanchez-like debacle, there is speculation that Arsenal could sell the striker as opposed to bowing to his terms.

Jack Wilshere might not be dragged into the mess, however.

Despite impressing upon his return to the Emirates Stadium this season, it's all quiet as regards a new contract. There's every reason to suggest he would sign a new deal but it all depends on whether Arsenal offer him one.

His commitment to the Gunners make it unlikely that Ozil's new wages will influence his negotiations and demands.

Do you think Jack Wilshere deserves a contract extension? Have your say in the comments section below.