Lionel Messi 'blocks Barcelona's Mesut Ozil move'

Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona to drop their interest in Arsenal attacker Mesut Ozil.

Ozil, 29, will be out of contract with the Gunners next summer, and it is widely thought that the German international will move on after refusing to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest, while it is thought that Barcelona are also keen due to Ozil's impressive spell at Real Madrid.

According to Diario Gol, however, Messi is wary of Ozil's habit of going missing in the big matches, and the Argentine has told the powers that be at Camp Nou to drop their interest in the German international.

Ozil has scored once and provided three assists in 10 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.