There is a certain appeal in the plan of Mesut Ozil wearing the Manchester United shirt next season.

It’d again underpin the fact that Arsenal can’t hold on to their best stars, & that Manchester represent a much more attractive option for the game's elite players.

When Arsene Wenger signed the German international from Real Madrid in 2013, his arrival was heralded as the beginning of a new era of high quality players challenging for the title.

To lose him for nothing is a kick in the gut.

If the target was Old Trafford, it would only be more painful.

But Ozil is not Robin van Persie. He’ll not transform the Manchester side, or be the difference in a title bid.

He’s also not Alexis Sanchez, who City were eager to spend £60m on last summer.

The real attraction in Ozil would be the fee. Expected to be available on a cut price deal in January, he could turn up on a free transfer in the summer.

In a world of ever rising prices, it’d get the thumbs up from the bank manager.

But whatever the cost, Jose Mourinho would still need to find a place for him in the team, & Manchester are well-stocked in that position.

Of greater need are a genuine right winger & a left-back.

Should Ozil turn up, it would likely call for the departure of another player - with Juan Mata the possible fall guy.

But after conjecture that Mourinho's arrival at Old Trafford would herald the Spaniard's exit, Mata has become a key figure in this side & a regular starter.

Then there’s Antoine Griezmann. Atletico Madrid's transfer ban, which ended the likelihood of a move last summer, is lifted in January & the Frenchman's release clause reduces back to the original £92m - which Manchester were willing to pay.

Griezmann is at present one of Europe's best players, a tag which Ozil has not lived up to for some time.

This international break, debates have been posted about whether Arsenal are in fact better off without the ex Schalke man.

Suggestions he has 'already left' Arsenal have materialized following slothful displays.

For years, he has faced various accusations about going missing in the biggest games.

It was Mourinho who signed Ozil while at Real Madrid, & later described him as 'the best Number 10 in the world'.

The pair's relationship worsened as Mourinho's time ran out in the Spanish capital, but the Manchester manager could be the right man to bring back Ozil's best qualities.

Under Mourinho, Ozil did take on more defensive duties & in 2011/12 he chalked up the most assists in La Liga as Real Madrid won the league.

He was in brilliant form in 2015/16 & it is Arsenal's failure to invest that has sparked his choice to run down his contract.

But he will be 29 this October & the Gunners have looked better in the weeks he has been sidelined with injury. For many not part of the fixated Arsenal fan base, he is too lazy, reluctant to do the dirty work in the big games when Mourinho demands full commitment from his players.

A 'luxury player'.

United were burned roughly by Angel Di Maria, & while Ozil is a special proposition, United's squad is presently well-stocked with playmakers who are keen to play Mourinho's way.

There’re other areas that need more immediate attention - particularly as United are expected to perk up the Griezmann interest.

The club are not short of money, & given the choice between Ozil & Griezmann, most supporters wouldn’t need to think too hard.

Over the past 2 summers, Mourinho has worked hard to build a squad in his image.

Whatever the price, Ozil does not at this time fit the picture.