The mercurial midfielder’s future has been the subject of speculation since the start of the season and it seems to have gathered pace over the last few weeks, after a number of exceptional performances.
Barcelona were said to be one of a number of clubs that had an interest in the player but as per inside reports from the Emirates, Ozil has told his agent that a return to the Catalan club is not something he wishes to pursue.
The press continues to hint that the World Cup winner has been lined up as part of cash/swap deal but both parties involved in this story view any such move as null and void.
Ozil knows that there are no guarantees that he would play regularly and also knows that the Spanish press are likely to be much harsher than their English counterparts if he were to suffer a blip in form.
Barcelona have infinite riches in all departments and a move for Ozil at the age of 28 would seem to be a short-term answer to a long-term problem and although I’m not suggesting that he’s past his best, there are others of equal value and younger.
If Ozil were to go anywhere at this stage in his career it may well be back to his much loved Schalke where it all began.
The claims that Manchester United are also interested in the German are sound but Arsenal football club will consider any offer apart from theirs unless there are no other options.
As per latest reports, Arsenal have made a final bid to keep the German and they expect an answer within the next 10 days. If he fails to extend during that period, the club will look at its options for January.
