Barcelona 'consider January deal for Arsenal contract rebel Mesut Ozil' as alternative to Philippe Coutinho

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Barcelona are considering a January move for Arsenal's contract rebel Mesut Ozil as an alternative to Philippe Coutinho, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The German playmaker is set to leave north London when his contract expires at the end of the season but Arsene Wenger could generate some funds by agreeing to sell him in the upcoming transfer window.

Interest in Ozil has been lacking but Barcelona are starting to wonder whether he would be a better option than Liverpool's Coutinho, who they actively pursued with a nine-figure transfer bid last summer. 

Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is being considered by Barcelona as an alternative to Philippe Cotuinho

There are several advantages to bringing Ozil to the club in January, not least the fact that he would cost a smidgen of what Liverpool will demand for their diminutive Brazilian.

For one, due to Arsenal's participation in the Europa League, Ozil would be eligible to take part in Barcelona's Champions League campaign after Christmas while Coutinho is already cup-tied in the competition.

Barcelona tried and failed to sign Philippe Coutinho despite offering Liverpool over £100m

Ozil will leave Arsenal when his contract ends next summer, but could be available in January

Secondly, Ozil has already proved he can thrive in Spanish football and put in some of the best performances of his career with Real Madrid. Although there is little doubt that Coutinho would adapt to Spanish football, Ozil would certainly be an attractive short-term solution.

But the drawbacks to signing Ozil are also clear. There is an ongoing discussion among Barcelona chiefs as to whether the World Cup winner would be a permanent alternative to Coutinho or whether they would continue to pursue him in the summer regardless.

There is also concern that Ozil's age (29) and his lack of form over the last 18 months with Arsenal would leave supporters feeling shortchanged after being told to expect the arrival of the much younger and more exciting Coutinho, 25.