Barcelona are plotting a move for Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil as an alternative to Philippe Coutinho should Liverpool refuse to sell again this January.
The German has been negotiating a new deal with the Gunners for over a year, but both sides are yet to agree and the Catalans are looking to take advantage of the situation.
Sportsmail reports that Barcelona are prepared to tempt the Gunners with a £17 million when the January transfer window opens.
However, that move could be threatened by Mesut Ozil’s wage demands.
The German looked to have settled on a £280,000 per week with Arsenal prior to Barcelona’s interest, but he has upped his demands and wants £330,00 per week now. He would also want a big signing up fee.
Barcelona have one of the biggest wage budgets in the world and need to clear their books of at least one big earner before the can sign Ozil. Arda Turan is one of the high earners at the Camp Nou, but he has not started any games this season.
Arsenal were also interested in signing Turan before he moved from Atletico Madrid, however, it is unclear if they would propose a cash-plus-play swap to Barcelona.
