German international Mesut Ozil has refused to extend his contract at the Emirates beyond this season and could leave the north London outfit for a fee in the region of £40 million in the January transfer window or leave on a free at the end of the season.
The German playmaker has been heavily linked with a reunion with his former manager Jose Mourinho at the Theatre of Dreams next summer but according to reports from Daily Star, Catalan giants Barcelona are keeping tabs on the former Real Madrid midfielder and are set to move for him in the winter transfer window and are ready to offer Barcelona flop Andre Gomes in a player plus cash exchange deal.
The German midfielder has struggled for consistency so far this season but his brilliant display against rivals Tottenham in the north London Derby reminded the Gunners faithful of his quality having assisted Shkodran Mustafi for the opening goal as the Gunners secured a 2-0 win and put to bed any form of power shift in the North.
The former Real Madrid player has been deemed as a primary target for the La Liga leaders in the January transfer window ahead of failed summer target Phillipe Coutinho who could cost the Catalans up to £130 million whereas the German could cost less than £30 million in which the Gunners will gladly accept rather than lose him on a free at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old could be tempted with a move to the Nou Camp with the possibility of playing alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and would not find it difficult to settle in Spain having played for arch-rivals Real Madrid before moving to the Emirates four years ago for a record breaking £42.5 million.
The playmaker has had a stop-start season to the new campaign but he is gradually hitting top form and will be key in the Gunners hunt for silverwares this season. He has made 10 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions so far this season scoring once and assisting twice.