Jose Mourinho is planning an audacious swoop for Arsenal's marquee midfielder Mesut Ozil in the summer as the German's contract with the north London club expires after the end of next season. Ozil played under Mourinho at Real Madrid where he won the league in 2011/12, and the Portuguese manager is planning a reunion with the German as part of his strategy to get Manchester United back to title winning ways.

The Mirror reports that Ozil is a big fan of Mourinho and has heaped praise on him in his autobiography, referring to their time at Madrid. However, they will face massive resistance from the Gunners, who are unwilling to let one of their players move to a rival and may see out Ozil's contract and let him leave on a Bosman after the end of the 2018 campaign.

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The Red Devils are currently level on points with Arsenal in the table but behind on goal difference in sixth, as the race for a top four spot heats up. Mourinho is expected to splash the cash in the coming summer as he looks to rebuild his squad and push for the title, which they last won in 2013.

Meanwhile, Ozil, who has 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for the Gunners this season, insists that he will start talks about his future soon. He previously implied that his future may be closely linked to Arsene Wenger's decision to stay or sever ties with the club after his contract ends following the end of the season. He has since stated that his future will be decided in talks keeping his long-term future in mind.

"Do you think Arsene Wenger tells the journalists [about my future] before he tells me?"
Ozil told German newspaper Der Welt,as quoted by Sky Sports. "I know him differently I have a contract until 2018 in London and I feel very comfortable there. We'll talk soon and then make a decision."

Mesut Ozil
Ozil has come under pressure of late for a series of poor displays. Getty Images

"My dream is to win the Champions League. Why not with Arsenal? Of course, we just have a difficult time and are not satisfied with sixth place. I am convinced, however, that we will catch up again soon. Let's see what the future holds."

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