Schalke’s president Clemens Tonnies has revealed the club are interested in bringing Mesut Özil back, but admits that it will be impossible this summer.

Ozil is out of contract at the end of the year, and appears to be on good terms with his former club at the moment, so Tonnies was asked about the possibility of a return to Germany for the playmaker.

“I still have a great relationship with Mesut. We would definitely consider it [a return]. If it fits for both sides, it would be nice,” he said, reports Standard.

“The player could say that he returns to his roots, and that he plays football in this stadium and for those fans and the region once again. But it will certainly not happen next season.”

It’s probably too early for the 29-year-old to be considering going back to Schalke. Much as many rival fans and pundits don’t want to admit it, Özil is still capable of playing for many of the top teams around Europe.

Although Schalke are currently second in the Bundesliga, they’re still already six points behind Bayern Munich at this early stage. If Arsenal’s playmaker wanted to go to Germany and pick up a few trophies it would be difficult to do so with any other German club.

Then there’s alternative options like Manchester United, a return to Spain and Real Madrid, or even Barcelona, all have been linked in recent months.

Whilst Özil would be available on a free transfer, his wages could potentially add up to roughly the amount Schalke usually spend on a transfer fee anyway. All of which suggests that they’re right to be sceptical of their chances this summer.