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Barcelona transfer news: Arsenal star Mesut Ozil lined up as Philippe Coutinho alternative
BARCELONA have reportedly lined up Arsenal contract rebel Mesut Ozil as a last-minute alternative to Philippe Coutinho.
Ozil ‘needs to have a good look at himself’ says Keown
Coutinho, 25, has been the subject of three rejected bids of £70million, £90m and £118m from Barcelona.
The Brazil international has even handed in a transfer request to try and force through his dream move to the Nou Camp.
But Liverpool issued a public statement to outline he is not for sale and Jurgen Klopp has reiterated this too.
The transfer window in England slammed shut at 11pm last night, but the Spanish market have an extra 24 hours to get deals over the line.
Barcelona have lined up Mesut Ozil as a last-minute alternative to Philippe Coutinho
Ernesto Valverde has already completed the signing of Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in an initial £97m deal.
But he wants to also bring Philippe Coutinho to the club to make up for the loss of Neymar, who signed for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record £200m deal.
And the La Liga giants could come in with a fourth and final bid in the region of £138m to try and prise him away from Anfield at the last minute.
However, Spanish outlet COPE claim if they fail to sign Coutinho they will instead turn their attentions to Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
Barcelona have lined up Arsenal star Mesut Ozil as an alternative to Philippe Coutinho
Ozil, 28, has ten months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates and is refusing to sign a new deal at the club unless his £350,000-a-week wage demands are met.
Borussia Dortmund have been linked with a move for the Germany international.
But Barca could test Arsenal’s resolve with a last-minute bid before their transfer window closes tonight.
It is said Arsenal value Ozil at around £55m and should he leave it would add insult to injury for Arsene Wenger, who has had a far from enjoyable transfer window.
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