Barcelona offered Arda Turan plus cash for Mesut Ozil, according to reports.

The Spanish club were hoping to capitalise on Arsenal’s past interest in Turan by offering him to us as part of a deal for Ozil.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim that the offer occurred a few weeks ago and that two clubs “discussed” the idea.

I imagine it was a very short discussion. As was the one that would have followed their reported £55m bid today (the Spanish window is still open).

Ozil is in the final year of his contract and although he hasn’t agitated for a move away from the club, he’s hasn’t committed to a new deal yet, either.

Arsenal will hope that he extends during the season. If he doesn’t, they would likely look for a more high quality replacement than Turan.

Turan was a fine player at Atletico Madrid but his age and lack of game time for Barcelona doesn’t make him a very attractive option at present.

He’s been linked with Arsenal for many years but nothing serious has come out of Arsenal’s supposed interest.

Meanwhile, Ozil is still an Arsenal player and will continue to start games throughout the season, hopefully displaying a lot more professionalism and commitment than certain other players.