Mesut Ozil played a crucial role in Arsenal’s opening day victory over Leicester City. The midfielder did not have an assist or goal to his name, but he had a role to play in the comeback victory.
However, his future at Arsenal continues to remain unclear. Even though a majority of the transfer rumours have been about Alexis Sanchez securing a move to PSG or Manchester City, Ozil has quietly been generating transfer interest back in Spain.
Barcelona are rich in cash after receiving £196 million from the sale of Neymar, and the Catalan club have been ready to splash out on players like Philippe Coutinho and OusmaneDembele.
As the club continues to face resistance with regard to these two players, Barcelona have reportedly turned their attention towards Ozil, according to Spanish tabloid Don Balon.
The report further states that the 28-year-old has already signalled his representative to look into a return to the Spanish La Liga, and Barcelona remain the prime destination for the attacker.
Ozil is no stranger to Spanish football after having spent three years at Real Madrid. Yet, the Los Blancos connections do not seem to worry Barcelona much, as they are stepping up their pursuit of the World Cup winner.
The German international also has 12 months left on his contract just like Sanchez. Yet, he has put his head down and been part of the Arsenal set up at the start of the season, unlike the Chilean international.
Even though Ozil will not be a like-for-like replacement for Neymar, he is someone capable of playing higher up the pitch and on the left side – a position occupied by Neymar.
Crucially, Ozil will have limited defensive responsibilities in this position, and it may suit his game.
