Arsene Wenger has denied Mesut Ozil has already agreed to join Barcelona next summer.
Ozil’s current Arsenal deal is due to expire at the end of the season and he is not expected to renew with the club.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the Germany international, but Barcelona are the new favourites for his signature.
Reports of a return to Spain have only intensified in recent days with suggestions Ozil will receive a huge signing on fee in order to join Barcelona, but Wenger has denied any deal being agreed.
“No,” Sky Sports quote Wenger as saying when asked whether Ozil has agreed terms with Barcelona. “What kind of control can I have over that [speculation]? All these people have agents who can talk to anybody. That doesn’t disturb people, that happens all through their career."
However, Wenger will be powerless to control Ozil’s future at the start of 2018 as the 29-year-old will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1.
Jose Mourinho is reportedly open to a reunion with the former Real Madrid midfielder, but may not have a chance to secure his services if Barcelona wrap up a deal in January.
Since joining Arsenal in the summer of 2013, Ozil has provided more assists than any other Premier League player (45).
