Arsenal Transfer News: Lothar Matthaus Tells Mesut Ozil to Move, Top Rumours

German legend Lothar Matthaus has declared that Mesut Ozil should turn his back on Arsenal and join Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 1990 World Cup-winning captain told Yahoo Sport (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star) the midfielder would benefit from a switch back to Spain, and Ozil would fit Barca's current needs despite the Gunners' resistance to any transfer:

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It would surely be a gain for him [Ozil], since Barcelona simply is the cream of the crop, especially when it comes to attacking strategies.

They seem to look for someone who can give inspiration there and strengthen the team more from the depth of midfield.

If next to Rakitic, there was someone like Ozil, who collected about 20 goal assists in the Premier League, which of course someone like Ronaldo and Real Madrid already profited from.

Of course they are already very aware of that in Barcelona, but I’m pretty sure Arsenal won’t let him go.

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NELSON ALMEIDA/Getty Images

Spanish daily Marca (h/t Callum Davis of the Telegraph) claimed the Blaugrana will lead the race for the player after he reportedly "rejected the offer of a contract extension at the Emirates."

The Germany international has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal and is said to be "keen" to leave the Gunners and the Premier League, according to Marca and Davis.

Bleacher Report UK hinted that Arsenal fans might be worried by Barca's interest in their superstar:

However, football journalist Kristian Sturt believes the player will stay in north London:

JOE.co.uk's Nooruddean Choudry went one step further by saying he thinks Ozil will be lifting the Premier League trophy with his team-mates at the end of the season:

Ozil has finally adapted to life in England this term after a slow start and inconsistent performances. 

The 27-year-old has led from the front this season, providing 17 assists in 24 league games as manager Arsene Wenger finally produces a credible assault on the title.

However, yet another domestic league failure by Arsenal could turn the German's head to sunnier climes, and the temptation to join the best club side on the planet would be enormous.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Steve Stammers of the Mirror said reports of Ozil's potential exit have "bemused" Arsenal, with the player admitting he is content with life in London.

"There is no need to hurry. There are no talks at the moment but I can only say that I am very happy in London and that my decision to come here from Real Madrid was the right one," Ozil told Kicker (via Stammers) in December. "There is not a single day, apart from when I was injured, that I have not felt great at Arsenal.”

Ozil would be a dream addition to Barca's ranks, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar operating ahead of the midfielder, but the player has already lived out one Spanish adventure, and the Premier League is considered the best in the world by many at present.

The new £5.14 billion TV deal kicks in for English clubs in the summer, per BBC News, and the financial gap between Spain and England will once again increase, making any move back to La Liga unlikely at this time.