Arsenal star Mesut Ozil would ‘favour’ reunion with Jose Mourinho over Barcelona

MESUT OZIL would prefer a reunion with his former mentor Jose Mourinho at Manchester United rather than make the switch to Barcelona, according to reports.

The Arsenal playmaker worked with Mourinho at Real Madrid before the pair went their separate ways back in England – Ozil to the Gunners and Mourinho to Chelsea and then United.

GETTY – CONTRIBUTOR: Mesut Ozil and Jose Mourinho worked together at Real Madrid during the Portuguese’s stint there between 2010 and 2013

And according to the Mail, the World Cup winner would rather a switch to the Red Devils rather than returning to Spain with Barcelona, where he would become another name on the infamous list of stars to play for both Clasico rivals.

Arsene Wenger is keen to make one last-ditch attempt to tie the 28-year-old down to a new contract, with the club previously reluctant to service his £300,000-a-week demands.

The Gunners have a far tighter wage bill than many of their rivals and Ozil is in a similar situation to Alexis Sanchez.

And if Ozil does leave it will be for nothing, meaning United can save money on a hefty transfer fee and worry about spending that money elsewhere.

AP:ASSOCIATED PRESS: Mesut Ozil was in action for Arsenal in their 0-0 draw with West Ham last night

PA:PRESS ASSOCIATION: Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for a new playmaker with Henrikh Mkhitaryan falling out of favour

GETTY – CONTRIBUTOR: Jose Mourinho has rested Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the time being after the international break