Barcelona given two-week deadline to decide on marquee signing

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If Barcelona are keen to snap up reported target and Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil, they’ll have to make their minds up soon, as per reports in Spain.

The 29-year-old is set to see his current Arsenal contract expire at the end of the season, which would then leave him available on a free transfer.

With no suggestion that a renewal is set to be imminently signed, a January exit to avoid losing him for nothing could be a smart move, while as per transfer rules, Ozil can secure a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January 1 onwards.

In turn, it’s a concerning time for Arsenal fans who want the German international to stay, but Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona have been sent a very clear message on what they must do to take him to the Nou Camp next year.

It’s claimed that his agent has informed the Catalan giants that they want an answer in the next two weeks, as Ozil is still holding out on reaching an agreement with any club as he continues to assess his options.

There’s a strong argument in favour of Barcelona making this signing, whether in January or next summer, as Ozil has the characteristics to flourish with them given his creative qualities and technical ability.

In contrast, it’s noted that Philippe Coutinho remains ‘Plan A’ for Barca, so would they be better off holding out for him and trying to reach a deal with Liverpool for the Brazilian playmaker?

Coutinho is younger and has proven to be a top-class player for the Reds in recent years, but while the speculation continues to link Barcelona with moves next year, it sounds as though they’ve got a decision to make on Ozil in the more immediate future before he is no longer on the table.

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