Jose Mourinho 'highly confident' of signing Arsenal attacker

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil at the conclusion of the 2017/18 season.

The German international has looked out of sorts in the early part of the campaign with injuries hampering his chances of earning regular gametime.

Both Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez have shown no indication of extending their Gunners contracts beyond next summer, and the former appears to be on Jose Mourinho's radar.

According to The Independent, the Red Devils will seek to begin contract negotiations with Ozil when the transfer window reopens in less than three months' time.

Mourinho worked alongside Ozil for three seasons at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, and the Special One has since held a close relationship, having written the foreword in the German's autobiography.

Apart from Ozil, Sanchez is also popping up the United shortlist, although Mourinho feels that he will lose out to cross-town rivals Manchester City. Ozil has notched 32 goals and 57 assists for the FA Cup holders since arriving from Real Madrid for £42.5m in 2013.