United-Arsenal swap deal? Clubs to swap stars in January – Reports

The speculations between a United-Arsenal swap deal are growing among the English media again.

Manchester United and Arsenal engaged in a stunning player-swap deal earlier this January, when Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined the Gunners, while Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez made his way to Old Trafford. The English tabloids now suggest that another swap deal could take place this January between the two clubs.

As was reported earlier, Arsenal are interested in signing Eric Bailly from Manchester United. Express now reports that Jose Mourinho is keen on bringing former German star Mesut Ozil at Old Trafford, and both clubs could agree on a swap deal.

Ozil has had issues relating to contract in the previous season, and while Sanchez left in January, the midfielder signed an improved contract at the club.

There were reports of fall-out between Ozil and Arsenal’s head coach Unai Emery, but the Emery has rubbished the claims on multiple occasions.

Mesut Ozil has worked with Jose Mourinho in the past during his time at Real Madrid. The former German international won a La Liga title with Mourinho, before leaving the club for Arsenal.

Tottenham are also interested in signing Eric Bailly from Manchester United, as Mauricio Pochettino has been an admirer of the defender ever since his time in Spain. However, if a possibility of swap deal between Arsenal and Manchester United arises, it would push Tottenham out of the race for the defender.

Also read: Champions League 2018/19: Manchester United’s expected lineup vs Young Boys

Arsenal and United endured a struggling start to their new Premier League season. Both the clubs are currently on 9 points in the Premier League, having dropped six points each. While Manchester United will play in the Champions League, Arsenal, who finished 6th last season, will spend their second consecutive season in the Europa League.