Manchester United set to pip Barcelona for new creative midfielder

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil will snub Barcelona in order to reunite with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, claims AS.

Ozil will only have six months remaining on his current Arsenal deal in January and will be free to sign a pre-agreement agreement with foreign sides like Barcelona.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed earlier in the week that he is still hopeful Ozil will renew his contract with the club, but is on course to leave the Emirates as things stand.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the former Real Madrid creator but are still hopeful of prising Philippe Coutinho away from Liverpool next month, while Ozil’s preference is to remain in England.

United are also in the running for the Germany international and are currently leading the race for his signature if he does leave Arsenal, although it is still unclear whether Mourinho’s side will strike a cut-price deal in January or wait until the end of the season to get him for nothing.

Ozil and Mourinho struck up a solid relationship during their stint at Madrid and have still kept in contact since seeking new challenges away from the Bernabeu.

Since joining Arsenal in August 2013, Ozil has registered at least five more assists than any other Premier League player (47).