Juventus will join Manchester United in battling it out for the signature of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, according to reports in Italy.

The 29-year-old is entering the final months of his contract and is set to walk away for free at the end of the season.

Ozil's availability is set to prompt a battle for his services among top European clubs, with Jose Mourinho and United early front-runners for the former Real Madrid man.

Juventus will join Manchester United in battling it out to sign Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil

Reports in Italian publication Calciomercato this week however claim Juve have entered the race, looking to set the ground work in order to have Ozil ready to move to Turin once the summer transfer window opens.

The report reveals, 'Juventus have followed the German champion for three seasons,' indicating the interest of the Old Lady is longstanding.

Juve will face stiff competition from United, who have the advantage of being able to offer Ozil the chance to continue his work in the Premier League.

Mourinho is also well acquainted with the playmaker, after having managed him in La Liga with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Ozil, along with team-mate Alexis Sanchez (right), is set to depart the Emirates this summer

Juventus will use Sami Khedira to persuade his close friend to join, according to reports

Mourinho made Ozil a key figure in his Madrid side and has previously stated that he believes the playmaker to be the finest No 10 in world football.

Juve have an ace up their sleeve however, in the form of veteran midfielder Sami Khedira.

Khedira, like Ozil, is of Turkish-German descent and played in the same Madrid side as his compatriot under Mourinho.

According to the report Juve will look to use this to their advantage, hoping Khedira can sway his close friend into making a move to Serie A and playing out the twilight years of his career in Italian football. Juve have also been heavily linked with a move for Liverpool's Emre Can.

Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Ozil in the past, and is keen to work with the player again

Ozil wasn't selected recently as Arsenal were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round by Nottingham Forest.

A weakened Gunners side picked by under fire boss Arsene Wenger saw Ozil and a host of fellow superstars rested from action as the cup holders were beaten 4-2.