Sridhar Bhamidi
Even though we are a long time away from the January transfer window, there is no stopping reports linking players with Old Trafford. One of the names making a lot of rounds in the recent weeks is that of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil’s.
The German international is unsettled at the club after rejecting a new contract at the club. Ozil’s current contract expires next summer which means he is free to talk to foreign clubs in the winter window.
Although recent reports in The Manchester Evening News indicate that the Gunners have not given up hopes of extending his contract, there is an increased sense of realisation that Ozil would move away in the summer.
The 29-year-old currently earns £154,000-a-week at Arsenal and is looking for a contract north of £200,000-a-week. Although Arsenal are in favour of increasing his wage packet, they are not certain if they want to meet his demands and make him one of the highest earners in the entire Premier League.
According to a source close to the player, Manchester United are one of the three clubs that the German international would be willing to leave Arsenal for. However, the report also indicates that the Red Devils have not yet made a move for the player who is angling for one of the three clubs – Barcelona and Real Madrid being the other two.
Contrary to reports in the English media in the last weeks, Ozil has not told his team-mates that he is leaving for Old Trafford in the January transfer window. The report also puts to bed the reports of United’s interest, as the club are yet to register their intent for signing the playmaker.
Even if the player wants to move, a mid-season move to Premier League rivals is not something that Arsene Wenger would sanction. He may not be averse to losing him for free next summer. Ozil worked with Mourinho at Real Madrid and despite their frosty relationship, both of them remain mutual admirers. As a source close to the player indicated to the MEN sport:
“I know he is always in contact with Mourinho because he likes him. He thinks he is the best coach he ever played for. He has a special relationship with him.”
But for now, it looks highly unlikely that he could revive the relationship in January.
