Inter Milan interested in Ozil; doubts over January move

Joe Williams

Inter Milan have expressed their interest in signing Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, but admit their hopes of landing the German in January are slim.

The 28-year-old is out of contract next summer and will be free to talk to foreign clubs from January 1, if he does not agree a new deal with the Gunners before then.

Inter president Erick Thohir, who last week hinted at making a move for Ozil, does not think the midfielder will leave the Emirates during the winter transfer window and revealed the club’s priority is strengthening their defence with a centre-half.

“We are studying our squad,” Thohir told Premium Sport.

“We have scouts everywhere and they look at every kind of player.

“I don’t think players like him (Ozil) will be leaving in January.

“Luciano Spalletti knows this team has room for improvement, that’s what we are working on.

“A new centre-back?

“We are looking for new opportunities but we have (Danilo) D’Ambrosio and other Primavera (youth) team players.”