Transfer Centre

Barcelona consider Mesut Ozil as Philippe Coutinho alternative?

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 17 November 2017

Barca consider Ozil as Coutinho alternative?

Barcelona will consider moving for Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil in January as an alternative option to Philippe Coutinho, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly weighing up an offer for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, as they seek an alternative option to Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

The La Liga giants fell short with three bids for Coutinho during the summer window and fear missing out on the Brazil international again at the end of the campaign.

Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo suggests that Ernesto Valverde may now be forced to look elsewhere, with Ozil - formerly of rivals Real Madrid - seen as a viable option due to his Arsenal contract situation.

Barca can potentially lure the 29-year-old away from North London on the cheap as his current terms expire in seven months' time, and the Gunners are said to prefer offloading to a foreign club while they have the chance.

Valverde is also rumoured to be keen to offload one of Arda Turan, Aleix Vidal or Denis Suarez when the transfer window reopens, meanwhile, each of whom may attract the interest of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.