Barcelona make their move for Mesut Ozil by launching first transfer bid
BARCELONA have made an offer for Arsenal star Mesut Ozil as they aim to secure the player's signature, according to reports.
Posted Monday, November 20, 2017 by Express.co.uk
Barcelona have been tipped to sign Ozil from Arsenal with a deal for Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho increasingly unlikely.
The Catalan giants tried repeatedly to land Coutinho but Liverpool clung on, rejecting three bids for their star asset.
And Spanish website Don Balon say Barcelona are now prioritising Ozil, who will cost considerably cheaper given his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
It is said Ernesto Valverde has made his move for the Germany international and is even willing to throw Andre Gomes into any deal.
Gomes has struggled since signing from Valencia last summer and is expected to be sold when the transfer window reopens in January.
And Barcelona now want him to move to Arsenal as part of any deal for Ozil.
Don Balon add, however, the Catalan giants are not prepared to break the bank to sign the Gunners star.
They want Arsenal to choose whether to accept a bid of £17million and Gomes or risk losing him for free at the end of the season.
Arsenal news: Barcelona have made their move for Mesut Ozil
Meanwhile, speaking yesterday, Arsene Wenger insisted Ozil and Alexis Sanchez both want to stay at the Emirates.
"I am convinced they love the club and love the team, but all the rest will be decided - when? I don't really know," said Wenger.
"I believe they love the club and want to stay, but there are other top clubs out there who offer good contracts as well."
Ozil has been at Arsenal since signing from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013.
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