Watch out Arsenal & Manchester United: Chelsea emerge as unexpected contenders for huge transfer

Posted by
  • Latest Chelsea transfer news sees the Blues linked with joining the race for Mesut Ozil
  • Arsenal look set to lose the Germany international on a free transfer at the end of the season
  • Manchester United have previously looked among the favourites for Ozil’s signature
  • READ MORE: Man Utd hopes of signing Mesut Ozil given boost by unlikely source

Arsenal and Manchester United could be left shell-shocked as reports in Germany claim Chelsea are emerging as strong contenders to seal the transfer of Mesut Ozil.

The German playmaker is due to be out of contract next summer as he appears no closer to agreeing a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

This has sparked recent rumours linking him with a move to rivals Manchester United, with the Daily Mirror claiming he’d already told team-mates he expected a switch to Old Trafford to go through.

Arsenal would hate to see a key player strengthen a rival without even receiving a transfer fee, and it seems that possibility has now increased as another Premier League club reportedly join the running.

According to SportBild, as translated by Sport Witness, Chelsea are now growing as contenders to snap up Ozil, though it’s not entirely clear if they’re planning to move for him in January or wait to compete for him on a free in the summer.

Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a transfer swoop for Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil to Chelsea as Willian replacement?

It’s not immediately obvious what purpose Ozil would serve in Antonio Conte’s side at the moment, with the Blues well stocked in the attacking midfield department.

Chelsea may be thinking about Ozil playing in a deeper role at Stamford Bridge, with some question-marks over the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Danny Drinkwater, who have both been in and out of the side this season.

The 29-year-old could perhaps play further forward, however, with the Manchester Evening News recently suggesting Chelsea’s Willian is a target for Jose Mourinho.

United may not see the need to sign both Ozil and Willian, while Chelsea would then need to replace the Brazilian in attack.

More Stories Antonio Conte Arsene Wenger Mesut Ozil