Juventus 'turn down chance to sign Arsenal's Mesut Ozil for free in January'

Juventus have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil for free next month.

The playmaker has not turned out for the Gunners since March having been frozen out of the squad by Mikel Arteta, and the Arsenal manager is not thought to be considering a January recall for him.

Despite his frustrating situation in North London, Ozil has always vowed to see out the remainder of his Gunners deal, which will expire in just over six months' time.

However, Tuttosport claims that Juventus were offered the chance to sign Ozil for free in January, and the Gunners were prepared to fork out half of the midfielder's mammoth £350k-a-week wages to get a deal done.

The report adds that the Serie A champions rejected that proposal, though, and Ozil is expected to leave Arsenal when his deal runs out in June, with Fenerbahce and the MLS believed to be two of the most likely destinations for the 32-year-old.

Ozil can enter talks with other clubs when the January transfer window opens, but a number of Arsenal players are supposedly calling for the restoration of the former Real Madrid man for the second half of the season.