Ozil to demand huge sign-on bonus from Barca
Reports claim that Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has already made his demands to Barcelona clear as the Catalan side look to open talks over a move.
According to Spanish publication 'AS', Ozil is set to demand a mega-money sign-on bonus from Barca. The German is out of contract in the summer, meaning that he can open talks with foreign sides in January over a bosman move, with Barca heavily linked with an approach.
Furthermore, it is thought that the player's current employers, Arsenal, may be willing to part with the player in January in order to avoid losing the star for free at the end of the season, something Barca would also be open to.
Ozil is thought to be on a significant wage at Arsenal, but is looking to a pay rise in order to feel more 'valued'. The playmaker has already rejected several offers to renew his deal and is open to offers from Europe's top sides, with there likely to be plenty of sides interested in snapping up a play of Ozil's quality on a free.
Despite their serious interest in Ozil, Philippe Coutinho remains Barca's priority target, though there is a growing school of thought that the Brazilian will once again stay put.
Barca already tried to sign Ozil once, back in 2010, only for Jose Mourinho to tempt the player to Real Madrid. Will they be more successful this time around?