Arsene Wenger denies speculation that Mesut Ozil has agreed to join Barcelona
Ozil is currently on his final year in contract and would be available to join any club on a free after the end of the season.
Arsene Wenger has denied speculation that Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has already agreed to move to Barcelona when his contract expires at the Emirates. The German is currently in his final year in contract and would be available to join any club on a free after the end of the season.
Manchester City were close to completing a deal this summer but a transfer fell through as the Gunners were unable to secure his replacement. Wenger recently admitted that the club may be forced to sell both Alexis Sanchez and Ozil in January if there is no breakthrough in contract negotiations before the transfer window reopens.
The Gunners are in a quandary since two of the north London club's best players will be able to leave the Emirates on free transfers after the end of the season. Both players will be able to talk to clubs in January and secure a pre-contract to join them for a lucrative contract when their tenure ends at the Emirates.
Ozil is also said to be on the radar of Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, while recent reports in Spain claimed that Barcelona are also considering him as a cheaper alternative to Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho ahead of the January window.
When asked if the speculation is true, Wenger said, as quoted by Sky Sports, "No. What kind of control can I have over that [speculation]? All these people have agents who can talk to anybody. That doesn't disturb people, that happens all through their career.
"They are honest. I don't question their honesty. Nobody knows what will happen when the players reach the end of their contracts. Our worry is to perform on Sunday, that's it.
"They want to turn up and put in good performances. I have no concerns. I am more concerned about the team performance. Ozil and Alexis are praised when the team is doing well because of them, and when the team doesn't do well they get more criticism.
"I'm more concerned that the team focuses on strong performances. My worry is on Sunday. After that, I will care about the second half of the season later."
