Surprise! Chelsea join race to sign £140,000-weekly Superstar

Premier League champions Chelsea have joined the transfer race to sign German Mesut Ozil from rivals Arsenal, as per reports emanating from Germany. According to SportBild via Sport Witness, Ozil, 29, has emerged as a top transfer target for Italian tactician Antonio Conte.

Premier League giant Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing the Germany international attacking midfielder, who has already worked with Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho at La Liga club Real Madrid. Mesut Ozil spent three years with Jose Mourinho at Real and the pair had a close relationship.

After failing in their bid to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool last summer, the catalan club too, are believed to be exploring alternatives, with the German appearing on their wishlist. Last week, it was reported that the attacker had agreed to join Barcelona.

However, the Blues’ sudden entry to secure the signature of the Arsenal star must have left Barcelona and Manchester United shell-shocked. The playmaker, who earns £140,000-weekly is yet to agree a new contract with the Emirates club and will be free to leave for nothing at the end of the campaign if he fails to extend his deal.

Arsene Wenger, however, spoke about Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal future this week by stating that the attacking midfielder will not be sold in the New Year.