Reports: Barcelona confident of signing £55 million superstar as Coutinho alternative

What's the story?

Barcelona have been intensely linked with Coutinho in the last few weeks, but Liverpool have held firm and rejected three huge bids for their star playmaker. With time running out for the Catalan giants, reliable Spanish outlet COPE (via The Express) claim that Barcelona are now ready to turn their attention towards Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.

The German's contract like that of Alexis Sanchez is also running out in another 10 months and with no sign of a renewal, the Blaugrana are confident that a deal of £55 million should convince the Gunners especially as they kept hold of their Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez.

Although the 28-year-old has not been in the best of form, there is no denying his quality and Barcelona are reportedly desperate to sign a proven world class playmaker before the transfer window ends.

In case you didn't know...

Has Ozil's time at Arsenal come to an end?

The German playmaker has come under increasing criticism for his insipid performances in the opening weeks of the Premier League and with no contract extension in sight, the 28-year-old could take up the golden opportunity to move to Barcelona.

Another interesting factor is that Ozil had a highly successful spell at Real Madrid. A firm favourite among both fans and his former team-mates, the German's move to the Camp Nou could ruffle a lot of feathers.

The heart of the matter

Barcelona have had a harrowing transfer market. After losing out on Neymar to PSG, the Blaugrana finally signed Ousmane Dembele as his replacement. However, the midfield still needs some freshening up and although they did sign Paulinho, fans and the board are eager for a world class creative midfielder to join the ranks.

Although Barcelona's undoubted first choice is Coutinho, Liverpool's reluctance to sell the Brazilian star could see the Catalan giants go ahead and make a move for the unsettled German superstar.

With Iniesta 33 and on the decline, Ozil's signing could just be the shot in the arm required to reinvigorate this jaded Barcelona side.

Video

When he is at his best, Ozil can unlock any defence in the world.

Author's take

After having signed Dembele, Barcelona's priority will be to add some creativity to their midfield. With Ozil's contract running out, Arsenal might be tempted to sell him for a fee of £55 million instead of losing him on a free transfer next year.

Blessed with excellent passing skills, technical ability and vision, Ozil linking up with the likes of Messi and Suarez is sure to get the Camp Nou faithful salivating at that heady prospect.