Transfer Centre

Report: Jose Mourinho plotting shock move for Mesut Ozil

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 11 November 2016

Jose Mourinho will pounce by making a bid for Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil next summer should the midfielder's contract talks continue to stall, a report claims.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will reportedly capitalise on Mesut Ozil's contract stand-off with Arsenal by making a shock move for the midfielder next year.

The Germany international is still deliberating over a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, which is thought to be down to a difference in views over wages.

Ozil is said to be the Gunners' highest-paid player on around £140,000 a week, with only a slight increase being offered by his current side, but The Sun reports that United are willing to offer him around £250,000 a week.

Mourinho has previously described the 28-year-old as "the best number 10 in the world", and the pair - who worked together at Real Madrid - have maintained a good relationship since going their separate ways.

However, the same report claims that the Red Devils accept there is little chance of luring Ozil away from Arsenal in January, though they are hopeful a big-money transfer could be on the cards next summer should he decline the offer of a new contract with the North London outfit.

Alexis Sanchez is in a similar position to Ozil, with Arsenal said to be reluctant to increase the duo's wages beyond the £200,000-a-week barrier as the club's annual wage bill is close to surpassing the £100m mark for the first time ever.