A surprise transfer rumour has seen Mesut Ozil linked with Manchester United in the last few weeks. One of the underlying factors behind this surprising interest is because the German midfielder only has 18 months left on his contract. Arsenal are ready to take on United with a taste of their medicine, as they are looking at Jesse Lingard as a potential signing, according to the reports from the Sun.

Lingard also has 18 months left on his contract and United are yet to convince him about his stay at Old Trafford for the long term. Arsenal are ready to jump into the situation by offering him around £120,000 per week. After having had a promising start to the campaign, Lingard is clear that he deserves much more than the £50,000 per week offered by United. The 23-year-old is currently on a contract that pays him £30,000 per week. After having come through the youth ranks at United, it may be a little more difficult to persuade Lingard to join one of the club’s biggest rivals – Arsenal.

Ozil is yet to sign on the dotted line and there is an increasing concern amongst Arsenal faithful. Signed from Real Madrid for a club record £42.5 million, the reasons for Ozil holding back on this new contract may have something to do with the interest from Manchester United. United boss José Mourinho worked with Ozil during his time at Madrid. Both enjoyed a good working relationship and it is rumoured that it has paved the way for Ozil seriously considering a move to Old Trafford.

Another factor being a major problem is the wages being offered by Arsenal. The Gunners have reportedly given him a £200,000 per week contract, but it is well short of the £250,000 per week being reportedly mooted from the United camp. At 28 years of age, Ozil is likely to choose a bigger contract offer considering that it may be his last of his career.

There are also a number of concerns surrounding other Arsenal stars like Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean winger has been in spectacular form for Arsenal this season. He is only one behind league’s top goal scorer Diego Costa and just like Ozil, his contract with Arsenal runs out in the summer of 2018 and he is yet to sign on the dotted line.

Unlike the German midfielder, though, Sanchez has been linked to Chinese clubs. It would be extremely hard for Arsenal to even come close to the £400,000 per week reportedly offered by the Chinese clubs. The Gunners may even struggle to offer half this figure, and there are concerns that Sanchez may be tempted by the riches on offer. It would also not be surprising to see Ozil linked with a move to China, although United will go to great lengths to sign him.