Barcelona are reportedly interested in Arsenal talisman Mesut Ozil but face competition in the form of Bayern Munich.
Spanish publication El Confidencial have run an exclusive that Barcelona are considering the possibility of bringing Arsenal superstar Mesut Ozil to Nou Camp. The former Real Madrid talisman is currently locked in a contract dispute at Emirates and could be set for a move away, with Bayern Munich also interested in the German.
Things have quickly unraveled for Arsenal after a brilliant start to the campaign. Despite the form of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez combined with the prolific nature of Olivier Giroud, the Gunners have fallen way behind league-leaders Chelsea, especially after their latest 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Mesut Ozil has been in a contract standoff with Arsenal, along with Alexis Sanchez, with the duo wanting pay parity with some of the other superstars plying their trade in the Premier League and the situation has seen Ozil being linked to a sensational move to join former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
As per the latest reports, it is suggested that Barcelona have established contact with Ozil’s agent to make the player aware of their interest in his services and the Catalans could look to profit on any potential opening that may arrive in the near future.
Barcelona have been struggling with the structure of their midfield whenever Andres Iniesta goes missing, through injury or otherwise. The Catalans have now been linked with a foray into the Premier League to scour for enablers to aid the MSN trio, with Dele Alli emerging as a potential target.
But the Spanish heavyweights know a deal for Alli would be too expensive and may even be impractical to go for, which has now made them shift their focus to a more achievable target in Mesut Ozil. But so have Bayern Munich. Carlo Ancelotti have also been linked to Dele Alli.
And like Barcelona, the Bavarians too are aware of the uphill task they face in order to convince Tottenham and Dele Alli for the transfer, which has compelled them to look elsewhere as well. And they are looking to bring Mesut Ozil back to his homeland.
With Ozil’s contract set to expire in June 2018, the 28-year-old is unlikely to cost a fortune and not nearly as much as Dele Alli, which could encourage both Barcelona and Bayern Munich to go for the German.
Although Mesut Ozil has, at previous times, iterated his desire to return to Spain, which could hand Barcelona the edge. However, Ozil is still considered a fan favourite at Bernabeu and the German himself retains affection for Los Blancos, which may prove to be a barrier in the deal.
It will be interesting to see how this all pans out. But, Ozil might be on the move this summer, especially if Arsenal end up another season without a credible title challenge, at the very least, if not a title triumph.
