Manchester United want Arsenal star Mesut Ozil on a free transfer... but hold reservations about his work rate and his potential wage demands

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Mesut Ozil has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester United.

The Arsenal midfielder is on Jose Mourinho's list of targets for next summer, when he will be available on a free transfer after his contract at the Emirates expires.

But there are reservations at Old Trafford about signing Ozil, primarily surrounding his work rate and the wages he would demand if he were to make the switch.

Manchester United have made Mesut Ozil a shock transfer target for next summer

But there are fears over the Arsenal midfielder's work rate and wage demands at Old Trafford

Mourinho worked with Ozil at Real Madrid and would be confident of convincing him to make the move to the north west.

The pair both joined the Santiago Bernabeu club in the summer of 2010 and formed an impressive relationship. Ozil was highly trusted by Mourinho during his time in Spain.

And the Portuguese manager recently wrote the foreword for Ozil's autobiography. 

Ozil has allowed his contract at Arsenal to run down. There has been no indication that there has been any progression in talks over a new deal, with his contract at Arsenal to expire this coming summer.

The 28-year-old wants more than £300,000-per-week in order to sign a new deal at Arsenal.

Ozil and United manager Jose Mourinho both joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2010

They worked well together and still have a close relationship with one another to this day

Sportsmail understands Arsenal would be willing to let Ozil leave the club in January to avoid him exiting the club for nothing after the end of the season.

Arsenal have also won four out of five games while Ozil has been on the sidelines with a minor knee injury. 

Inter Milan have been open about their interest in the Germany international. Club chief Erick Thohir said they were 'definitely' keen. 

United were actually offered Ozil when he left Madrid in September 2013 but allowed him to join Arsenal.

Inter Milan chairman Erick Thohir has admitted that his club are definitely interested in Ozil