Barcelona are eyeing up former Chelsea star Oscar as an alternative to Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil.
Barcelona are in the market for a play-making midfielder to replace the ageing Andres Iniesta and have Mesut Ozil on the the top of their transfer list.
According to Marca, Barca are keen on players who are eligible to play in the Champions League and who could also join in January. This has led to their interest in Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil who is eligible, but, if they fail to get Ozil, Barca are lining up former Chelsea star Oscar as an alternative.
Oscar is also eligible as he is based in China, playing for Shanghai SIPG, after moving from Chelsea for £60m.
Marca claims two other players are on coach Ernesto Valverde’s January wishlist including Nabil Fekir of Lyon and Gremio’s Arthur.
It’s understood Ozil is the preferred option though, but with Ozil having previously played for Real Madrid, Ozil could choose not to join the Catalan giants.
Oscar could be an easy alternative and the Brazilian play-maker himself suggested he’d like to return to Europe to play football one day.
Oscar told Copa90: “When I made my decision to come here [China], I was certainly thinking more of my family than of my career. Because in my career I had other very good offers from big teams in Europe. But I thought a little more of my family, and after that – I am still young – I can return.”
The 26-year-old played for Chelsea from 2012 to 2016 and won the Premier League two times for the Blues.
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