Barcelona 'offer Andre Gomes in Mesut Ozil swap deal'

Barcelona have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil by offering Andre Gomes in a player-plus-cash swap deal.

Ozil's current contract expires at the end of this season and Arsenal are understood to be willing to cash in on the Germany international in January rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

The 28-year-old has so far refused to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium and has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United in recent weeks.

However, Spanish news outlet Don Balon has claimed that Barcelona are now readying a January move and are willing to offer Gomes as part of any deal that might take place.

The La Liga leaders are understood to see Ozil as a possible alternative to Philippe Coutinho, whom they failed to prise away from Liverpool during the summer.

Gomes has started just two games for Barcelona across all competitions this season.