Martin Keown believes Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil for two key reasons.

MirrorSport revealed back October that Manchester United was the most likely destination for the German, after he told his Gunners teammates he would be joining the Old Trafford club.

Arsene Wenger is apparently keen to keep hold of Ozil for the rest of the season, and will resist cashing in on the player in the January transfer window.

If the former Real Madrid star does remain in north London when the winter transfer window slams shut, then he'll almost certainly leave Arsenal on a free at the end of the season.

Martin Keown believes Jose Mourinho wants to sign Mesut Ozil for two reasons (
Image:
BBC Match of the Day)

Speaking about Ozil's possible move to Manchester United, Keown revealed two reasons why he thinks Mourinho is chasing the German.

"I think Jose Mourinho would love for that move to happen, for two reasons," Keown told the Daily Mail.

Ozil is expected to leave Arsenal on a free transfer at the end of the season (
Image:
David Price)

"One, because of the quality of the player, and two because it would be a poke in the eye for Arsene Wenger.

"That rivalry between the two managers has not gone away."

Ozil played under the Portuguese at Real Madrid (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty)

Discussing Wenger's long-term future at the Emirates, Keown added: "It is looking like the beginning of the end for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal."

The former centre-back concluded: "Arsenal are now in seventh place, behind Burnley, and I am losing patience watching them."

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