Sridhar Bhamidi
Mesut Ozil continues to hog headlines by resisting all the efforts of Arsenal to make him extend his contract. And guess what, Inter Milan seem to have moved ahead of Manchester United in their pursuit of the German playmaker.
According to the Evening Standard, the 28-year-old has been keeping Arsenal guessing with no intention of extending his deal. The Gunners have approached with an offer of increasing his wages from £140,000-a-week to £250,000-a-week.
Ozil has not given any indication to Arsene Wenger about his future and with less than a year left on his contract, the club fears that he could leave on a Bosman transfer next summer.
That makes the January transfer window both interesting and an important one for Arsenal if they decide to cash in on their star. There were reports earlier in the week that Manchester United could make a move for the player, linking manager Jose Mourinho’s earlier working relationship with Ozil at Real Madrid.
But now it looks like Inter have taken a march in the race for the German’s signature. The San Siro giants have already confirmed their interest although president Erick Thohir voiced doubts if the Gunners would entertain bids in the winter transfer window.
Arsenal are planning to hold further discussions although the player’s camp is holding out for wages closer to £350,000-a-week. However, should the stand-off continue until January, the Gunners could be forced into selling him for a suitable fee or risk losing him for free.
With Alexis Sanchez also stalling on a new contract, Arsenal would hope that Ozil attracts a bid from United. Why? That would increase the leverage for them and will help drive a bigger fee for the midfielder.
Inter are thought to be his most likely destination because United are yet to show any formal interest. It is only the media that is drumming up Red Devils’ interest by pointing to Jose’s previous working relationship with the player.
Ozil will be free to talk to Inter and other overseas clubs directly from January 1, as he enters the final six months of his contract. Will that force United into an official move? Would you be happy to see a move for Ozil or be content with him leaving to Italy?
