Arsene Wenger Denies Reports of Agreement Between Mesut Ozil and Barcelona Over Summer Move

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has played down speculation that playmaker Mesut Ozil has a pre-contract agreement in place with Barcelona to join them for free at the end of the season.

Ozil's contract is set to run out at the end of the current campaign at Arsenal and there has been no indication yet that he is any closer to signing a new deal. The German international will be able to speak to clubs outside of England in January to discuss signing a pre-contract agreement in preparation for the summer. 

Speculation has intensified in recent weeks that Barcelona are interested in bringing the 29-year-old to the Camp Nou. There have even been suggestions that Ozil has already agreed a move to the club, but Wenger has denied those rumours, insisting that no move is in place.

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According to Sky Sports, when asked whether Ozil has agreed to move to the Spanish club, the 68-year-old said: "No. 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." 

Wenger also revealed that he has no reservations about starting both Ozil and Alexis Sanchez on Sunday against Burnley, despite their contract situations. He continued, saying: "They are honest. I don't question their honesty. Nobody knows what will happen when the players reach the end of their contracts. Our worry is to perform on Sunday, that's it.

"They want to turn up and put in good performances. I have no concerns. I am more concerned about the team performance." 

Since Ozil arrived at the club in 2013, he has provided 45 assists in the Premier League, more than any other player in the league.

Wenger and Arsenal will be hoping he provides more assists this Sunday as the Gunners travel to Burnley hoping to back up their 2-0 victory over Tottenham last weekend in the league.