Inter Milan aren’t interested in parting with Joao Mario, after Arsenal suggested making him part of their deal to sign Mesut Özil, according to latest reports.

As Özil’s contract ends next summer, he’s free to talk to foreign clubs from January. with Arsenal fearful that the playmaker won’t extend his stay at the Emirates, the Gunners are keen to find a replacement. According to Calciomercato, Arsenal considered Inter’s attacking-midfielder Joao Mario, but the Italian club have rejected the possibility.

Mario has a long-term contract with Inter, lasting until 2021, and has started the season strongly. In Inter’s first six league games, the Portuguese international has assisted four goals. He provided the fourth despite only playing nine minutes against Genoa, coming on to help them secure a 1-0 win.

In fact, the 24-year-old has only completed 90 minutes on one occasion this season, and has been substituted on three times, making his assist record all the more impressive in my opinion.

Whether he can keep this form up as the season progresses remains to be seen, considering the midfielder only managed three goals and eight assists in the entire 2016/17 campaign. Regardless, it seems Inter have no interest in selling him anyway, meaning their bid for Ozil will have to be money up front.