Mesut Ozil given permission to negotiate his Arsenal exit in January as Barcelona talks continue

Mesut Ozil has been given permission by Arsenal to find a new club in the January transfer window, according to reports in Spain.

The Germany international has less than a year remaining on his current deal with the Gunners and could leave on a free transfer next summer.

Mundo Deportivo report that Arsenal want to secure a transfer fee for Ozil and Barcelona have been informed that the midfielder is available for just €20 million (£17.7m).

The report also claims that Ozil and his agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, have been given ‘direct permission’ from Arsene Wenger to negotiate with other clubs in the upcoming window.

Ozil, however, is not high on Barcelona’s list of targets and the Catalan club are still making the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool their priority.

But the 29-year-old is still considered as Barca’s ‘Plan B’ should Coutinho remain at Anfield.

Ozil’s agent is understood to have already informed Barcelona that the midfielder has received offers from six other clubs and has asked the La Liga leaders to present their own contract terms as quickly as possible.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday, Wenger conceded that he could lose Ozil to another ‘top club’.

‘I am convinced they [Ozil and Alexis Sanchez] love the club and love the team, but all the rest will be decided – when? I don’t really know,’ said the Arsenal manager.

‘I believe they love the club and want to stay, but there are other top clubs out there who offer good contracts as well.’