Mesut Ozil is reportedly so confident he will soon be a Manchester United player that he has told his Arsenal team-mates he is set to join the Red Devils. Arsenal are braced for offers for Ozil in January with the German’s contract set to expire in the summer.
Ozil can leave the Emirates for nothing in June, which has prompted Arsenal to consider cashing in on one of their most prized assets in the next transfer window.
Jose Mourinho is eyeing a reunion with the player he coached at Real Madrid with United tipped to make a January move. Ozil has already told his current team-mates he will be joining United despite the Red Devils yet to make an official approach for him. Inter remain the only side to have contacted Arsenal about Ozil’s availability.
Reports of a rift between Ozil and his team-mates have increased in recent weeks while it has been suggested that Arsene Wenger is confident his team can cope without the talented playmaker. Ozil has struggled to keep hold of his place this season, coming off the bench against Watford before being left out of the Europa League squad that traveled to Red Star Belgrade on Thursday.
Arsenal fans hit out at Ozil after he missed a superb chance against Watford on the way to a 2-1 defeat for the Gunners. Ozil has frustrated Arsenal in their attempts to sign him up to a new deal by insisting on a deal worth £350,000 a week. Arsenal are not prepared to pay Ozil more than £275,000 a week, but even that offer – made last season – is now being reconsidered.
Prizing Ozil away from Arsenal would be a huge coup for Mourinho, regardless of his current form. United are two points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and will look to continue their push for the title in the new year. The addition of Ozil could provide the impotence the Red Devils will need in the second half of the season.
