Mesut Ozil is being monitored by Bayern Munich ahead of a possible swoop by the German giants in the January transfer window.

According to the Evening Standard, the Bundesliga champions have been keeping close checks on the Germany international ever since his switch from Real Madrid to Arsenal last summer.

Since his £42.5m move, the 25-year-old has failed to find his best form with suggestions that Arsene Wenger is failing to get the best out of the player because he's regularly being used out of position.

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is convinced Ozil has much more to offer and is hopeful that Arsenal will be vulnerable to an audacious bid for the World Cup winner when the transfer window next opens.

Wenger has a wealth of options in the creative midfield roles which could count in Bayern's favour if they make a tempting enough offer, with Alexis Sanchez arriving over the summer to compliment the likes of Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla.

Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck celebrate during Arsenal's 3-0 win over Aston Villa (GETTY IMAGES)

The situation of where Ozil is played is a fluid situation. Speaking prior to this weekend's north London derby, Wenger hinted that he is a fan of the attacking pairing of Ozil and Danny Welbeck after the duo combined well in the recent 3-0 win over Aston Villa, describing it as a "very interesting combination".

Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Wojciech Szczesny Great save from point-blank range before Dortmund took the lead. Made a few strong saves and could do little about either goal as those in front of him were guilty. An uncharacteristic sweeper-keeper moment resulted in a nasty clash with Aubameyang as the clock ticked down. 7 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Hector Bellerin The debutant had an appetite to get forward and was caught out of position on several occasions as Dortmund looked to impose themselves. Let his man go but a sharp save from Szczesny spared his blushes. 4 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Laurent Koscielny Snuffed out Dortmund attacks early on and showed composure to remain firm as last line of defence, but, with a touch of harsh luck, allowed Immobile away from his clutches when Dortmund hit a body blow just before the break. 6 Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Per Mertesacker A mixed display from the German as he dealt in the main-part with Dortmund’s relentless pressing, but failed to track Aubameyang’s run when the forward played off the last shoulder before rounding Szczesny for the second. 5 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Kieran Gibbs Arsenal will be pleased to see Kieran Gibbs back in the first XI after he returned with an assured performance at Westfalenstadion – Wenger’s bvest defender on the night. Twice put the ball on a plate for Welbeck after good work down the left. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Mikel Arteta Guilty of the odd casual moment in the defensive third. Enjoyed a battle with Mkhitary, but went missing as Immobile found space between defence and attack to bear down on goal and snatch the lead before the break. 5 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Aaron Ramsey Perfectly-weighted pass to Welbeck just before the break could have given the game a completely different complexion. As it was, the Welshman struggled to make his mark and was hauled off on the hour. 5 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Jack Wilshere Bust a gut to get back and prevent Mkhitaryan opening the scoring in the first half, but couldn’t recreate his impressive display against Manchester City. Dropped deep for the final 15 minutes, but injury ended his night prematurely. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Alexis Sanchez Needless offside when Mesut Ozil floated in a dangerous free-kick in the first period, but was Arsenal’s best attacking player on the night – and did his defensive work too. Turned out of several blind alleys but final ball was lacking. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Danny Welbeck Timed run well to latch onto Aaron Ramsey’s pass just before the break but the England man couldn’t show composure needed to hit the target when one-on-one. Showed good feet in the final third at times but never looked the imposing striker Arsenal need. 5 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Mesut Ozil Anonymous as Arsenal were pinned back in the first half and substituted without showing any intent with the Gunners two goals behind. 4 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Roman Weidenfeller Didn’t have much to do, but was quick off his line to deny Lukas Podolski late on. 5 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Erik Durm Energetic performance up and down the right flank, and dealt well with Alexis Sanchez. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Neven Subotic Good on the ball, and read the danger well on the rare occasions Arsenal attacked. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Sokratis Papastathopoulos Almost scored from first-half corner, the Arsenal target was untroubled defensively all evening. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Marcel Schmelzer Easily got the better of Mesut Ozil, and joined in with the Dortmund attacks on a few occasions. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Sebastian Kehl Neat and tidy in possession, and not afraid to put his foot in when required. Went off injured at half-time. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Sven Bender Pressed relentlessly and strong in the tackle. Showed why Arsene Wenger rates him so highly. 7 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Kevin Grosskreutz Set up Aubameyang’s goal with beautifully weighted pass, and worked tirelessly throughout. 7 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Henrikh Mkhitaryan Booked for diving in the early stages, and missed chance after chance. Should be praised though for continuing to get into dangerous positions. 6 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Ciro Immobile Fired off a number of shots before getting his reward with well-taken goal. Always looked a threat with his pace. 7 Getty Images Borussia Dortmund 2 Arsenal 0 player ratings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Ran the Arsenal defenders ragged, and took his goal well. He’ll be disappointed not to have scored a couple more from the numerous other chances that fell his way. 8 Getty Images

Ozil recently hit out at the criticism of his performances, claiming he tends to be singled out.

"I don't play to prove anything to anybody, I play for Arsenal. I have the feeling that I am criticised more, that happened to me in the Bundesliga and also at Real Madrid," he said.