‘Mesut Ozil emerges as alternative to Philippe Coutinho’ as Barcelona insist on signing attacking talent in January transfer window
German would represent cheaper option and is available for Champions League — but is four years older than Brazilian
MESUT OZIL has emerged as a potential alternative for Philippe Coutinho for Barcelona, according to reports.
The Catalans are desperate to add more quality in behind the attack this January — and are in the market for a long-term successor to Andres Iniesta.
Liverpool hero Coutinho remains the Nou Camp board's first choice, but they accept they may have to prise away from Anfield.
So they are drawing up a list of alternatives, and Mundo Deportivo insists Ozil is now top of that list.
The Arsenal man's contract runs out next summer, so he would be available for relatively cheap.
And, if he has to lose the German, Arsene Wenger would surely rather let him go to Barcelona, than risk Premier League rivals Manchester United swooping in.
One of the negatives from the Catalan side's point of view that Ozil is 29 — four years older than Coutinho.
But the German knows La Liga, having spent four seasons at Real Madrid, and would be available for the latter stages of the Champions League, due to Arsenal's failure to qualify last season.
COL-ING CARD Barcelona director Robert Fernandez watches Antoine Griezmann in action against Germany
And, he would surely flourish playing in a front three in a side where his defensive duties would be minimal.
Barcelona believe he has the qualities required to fit their style and link up well with Iniesta and Lionel Messi.
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After France's recently friendly with Germany, the Atletico Madrid man sent Twitter into a frenzy when a tweeted a picture of himself shaking hands with Ozil and posted emojis representing his typical celebration.
Many insisted it meant Griezmann, 26, would be joining Arsenal — while others believed it meant both would be linked up at Old Trafford next season.
But could it actually be the pair will be together in the Blaugrana of Barcelona?