Juventus to Reportedly Move for Mesut Ozil If Manchester United Fail to Sign Him

Juventus will reportedly target Arsenal's Mesut Ozil if Manchester United fail to sign him in January.

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), United are set to offer €40 million (£35.5 million) for the Germany international during the winter transfer window, with his contract set to expire in the summer. But should they be unsuccessful, there are "ideal economic conditions" for Juventus to snap him up on a free transfer.

The Bianconeri are said to have eyed Ozil for the past three years, and the playmaker is believed to be "focused" on experiencing a new challenge.

The former Schalke 04, Werder Bremen and Real Madrid star has not played in Serie A, and Juventus would be able to offer him a much greater chance of winning league titles than Arsenal, while the Italian club is also more likely to progress to the business end of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase.

Football reporter Simon Collings believes the move would benefit both parties:

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a fairly strong campaign for the Gunners despite his contract situation, contributing four goals and five assists in 18 Premier League appearances.

According to Squawka, he would have many more of the latter if his team-mates were more clinical, as he has created 62 chances in that time.

His creativity was also second to none in 2017, per Squawka Football:

Unsurprisingly, that makes him a crucial player at the Emirates Stadium, per ESPN FC's Mattias Karen:

It's of little surprise United are looking at him given he would fulfil perhaps their most pressing need. The midfielder would equally be of use to Juventus, as the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala would have plenty to feed off with him behind them.

Ozil's contract situation also puts him firmly in reach of a club such as Juve, who might otherwise struggle to afford a transfer fee for him.

Their interest puts added pressure on United to wrap up the deal in January, as waiting until the summer would put them on a more or less even playing field with the Old Lady when it comes to reeling him in.