Arsenal’s mercurial midfielder, Mesut Ozil is set to become the subject of a football power play between rival Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, The Sun reports.
According to the report, Ozil, who is in blistering form for the Gunners this season having made 18 assists, is one of Barcelona’s prime summer targets.
He is expected to play behind the now world-famous ‘MSN’ attacking trio, which comprises Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
However, Ozil’s contract terms demand that Real Madrid, the club he left in 2013, be given a 48-hour right of first refusal should the German be considered for sale.
While this may appear clear enough, Real Madrid is the subject of an imminent transfer ban by FIFA which may restrict their ability to influence the player’s transfer, should Barcelona move ahead with their plan to buy him.
In fact, the Catalan club is believed to be so keen on the move that it is prepared to offer the trio of Arda Turan, Munir and Sandro Ramirez to capture the 27-year-old.
The transfer ban, which also affects Atletico Madrid, is presently suspended but the world football governing body is due to make a decision over whether the ban will or will not stand in June.