Manchester United to ditch creative midfielder for Ozil

Manchester United are ready to sell Henrikh Mkhitaryan to accommodate Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil at the end of the season, reports The Daily Mirror.

Ozil’s current Arsenal deal is due to expire in the summer but the Germany international will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from next month.

Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the Arsenal ace but Ozil’s preference is to remain in the Premier League, while the Spanish giants are still holding out for Philippe Coutinho.

Jose Mourinho is keen to reunite with Ozil after striking up a solid relationship during their time at Real Madrid, but must make a decision on Mkhitaryan’s future first.

The Armenia international has dropped down the pecking order in recent weeks to such an extent that he has failed to feature in seven of United’s last eight matchday squads.

Mkhitaryan started the season in sublime form, raking up five assists in United’s opening three league matches. However, United’s £30m signing has only managed to play a direct hand in two goals in his subsequent 13 appearances.