Arsenal reportedly ‘blocked’ a deadline day move from the Middle East for Mesut Ozil.
The German midfielder was subject of interest from an unnamed Qatari club, though the late nature of the move saw the offer rejected with the Gunners feeling they lacked sufficient time to source a replacement.
According to the Mirror, both Ozil and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta were prepared for the move to happen, the 31-year-old having proven a divisive figure at the Emirates in recent years and being linked with a move away from the club throughout the summer transfer window.
However, any hopes of a transfer away were ruled out as the north London side failed to secure midfield additions, with defenders Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares the only arrivals of the winter window.
Despite featuring prominently since the Spaniard’s arrival as the club’s new head coach, Arteta is believed to be keen to remove Ozil’s club record salary from the wage bill, though any move away will now have to wait until the end of the season.
DC United are believed to have held talks with the playmaker’s representatives over a potential switch to MLS, the club keen to secure a marquee addition following Wayne Rooney’s January move to Derby County.
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