Mesut Ozil could leave Arsenal next summer with Manchester United circling (Picture: Getty)

Mesut Ozil will push for a move to either Manchester United, Barcelona or Real Madrid if he leaves Arsenal next summer, according to reports.

Since arriving at the Emirates in 2013, Ozil has become an influential figure for Arsene Wenger, helping the Gunners win three FA Cup titles in the space of four years.

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The Germany international will be out of contract in less than a years’ time but is still no nearer to extending his stay at Arsenal by signing a new deal.

Contract talks in the summer were believed to have been put on hold amid the growing uncertainty over Wenger’s future at the club.




Ozil is settled in London but continues to be linked with a move away – Premier League rivals Manchester United are understood to be interested in securing his signature for manager Jose Mourinho.

The German has only played two of Arsenal’s last six games (Picture: Getty)

And Goal say United are one of three clubs Ozil has identified as his next possible destination, with a switch to Barcelona or Real also appealing.

Barcelona may view Ozil as a suitable replacement for Neymar and a more affordable option than Philippe Coutinho, who they had multiple offers rejected for in the summer.

It is claimed Real are unlikely to move for the player who spent three years in the Spanish capital before joining Arsenal and his ties with Mourinho may have a significant influence on his decision.

Ozil has missed the majority of the season through injury and club legend Martin Keown believes the German has ‘already left’ the club in his mind.

Ozil has won three FA Cups at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

‘I think he’s testing Wenger more than any other player has,’ Keown told BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘I think it was Belarus the other week, he didn’t fancy going. He didn’t want to go. Suddenly he was injured again, he played nine minutes against West Bromwich Albion on the Monday, so how did he get injured there?

‘I think in some departments he’s already left. Psychologically, mentally, he’s already left the football club. Maybe Wenger is now trying to do the best deal he can to get some compensation for him.

Martin Keown believes Ozil has ‘already left’ the club (Picture: Getty)

‘I think he doesn’t want that sort of player around the youngsters in the group. They played exceptionally well at Chelsea, where [Alex] Iwobi did a really fine job – I know he hasn’t got the talent of Ozil, of course, but suddenly Arsenal could compete in both departments defensively and attacking-wise.

‘It was probably the best performance I’ve seen in a couple of years. I was really impressed and it seemed like every player was giving their best.

‘Sanchez is different. He loves playing football, just give him a ball and he’ll play and that’s all he wants to do. But Ozil, I think he’s downed tools, he wants to go and it’s going to get messy.’

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