Jose Mourinho has refused to comment on speculation linking Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil with a move to Manchester United. The Portuguese manager was asked to share his views on Ozil's potential move to Old Trafford after much speculation over the last few days, but Mourinho refused to be drawn into a corner over their plans.

The World Cup winner's current deal at the Emirates runs down after the end of the 2017/18 season. He has joined Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and Jack Wilshere among the players who can leave the club on a free transfer.

Arsene Wenger has already admitted that extraordinary circumstances could see both Ozil and Sanchez leave the club in the January transfer window. Ozil is well acquainted with Mourinho's ways, having won the La Liga title with Real Madrid under the stewardship of the Portuguese manager before his transfer to Arsenal in 2013.

Asked if he would be willing to sign Ozil as a free agent next summer ahead of United's game against Arsenal on Saturday evening, Mourinho smiled before replying, as quoted by the Mirror, "No comment." It is unlikely that Mourinho will make a move for the German in January, despite Barcelona eyeing him as a cheaper alternative to Philippe Coutinho.

Mourinho was understanding of Arsenal's position, with two of their best players entering their final year in contract, stating that the clubs try to close them down to a lucrative term, but the players hesitate at times, looking elsewhere for a better deal. United face a similar problem in the form of Marouane Fellaini, whose contract runs down after the end of the season.

"That's football. They finish their contracts, Fellaini finishes his contract and there are other important players in Europe in other teams who finish their contracts," Mourinho added. "Sometimes players decide to go in this direction, which is the right that they have. Players have the right to do that and I don't blame the clubs.

"The clubs, they try. They try, they try, but the players have the right to go into this type of situation and in many times it's good for them. Sometimes they can go on a free transfer and they can get huge salaries."

Mesut Ozil
Ozil put in a brilliant performance against Huddersfield.
Manchester United FC Premier League Arsenal FC Jose Mourinho