Barcelona are plotting signing Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil during the summer transfer window, despite the clauses inserted by Real Madrid when he was sold to the Gunners in 2013, according to Spanish daily AS.
The Catalan giants are keen to add Ozil’s touch and vision to the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and are plotting methods to make the deal happen at the end of the season.
However, they are aware that Real Madrid have an option of first refusal if Arsenal decide to sell the player to a Spanish team and the Gunners would have to part with 33 per cent of the amount, if the transfer fee is more than €50m.
Barcelona are aware of the obstacles in any move to take Ozil back to Spain, and are trying to cut corners to get the deal over the line during the summer transfer window, without allowing Real Madrid to intervene.
They are keeping a close watch on Real Madrid’s appeal to overturn their transfer ban imposed by FIFA, and are plotting their next move to sign the German playmaker.
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With Arsenal’s title challenge floundering again this season, it has been suggested that Ozil is desperate to return to Spain, and would love to link up with the Barcelona attacking triumvirate if given an opportunity.
And with Arsenal also interested in the trio of Arda Turan, Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez, Barcelona feel they could insert one of their players into any deal, to lower the fee for the Germany international.
Ozil has 19 assists to his name in all competitions this season, and has a contract until 2018 with Arsenal.
