Jose Mourinho is plotting a shock move for Mesut Ozil.
The German playmaker has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, which has reported Mourinho, reports The Sun.
The 28-year-old is already the top earner at Arsenal and the club are hoping to extend his stay with his current deal set to expire in summer 2018.
Ozil reportedly earns £140,00-a-week at the Emirates and the club’s opening offer of £20,000-a-week rise has yet to be discussed, with United willing to hand him £250,000-a-week.
Ozil has claimed he is enjoying life at Arsenal and not looking to leave the north London club, but this will all depend on what is put on the table in front of him.
Mourinho and Ozil maintain a good relationship from when the German played under Jose at Real Madrid in 2012.
And although United accept there is no chance of the Gunners selling their creative midfielder, the Manchester outfit believe a deal could be done next summer, if Ozil has not signed a new contract by then.
Ozil’s agent could now use Mourinho’s reported interest as leverage for a better deal for his client, something Arsenal will surely be wary of.
The Gunners must pull out all the stops if they are to keep hold of Ozil, as well as Alexis Sanchez, at the club beyond their current deal (both ending in summer 2018).
