Gunners chase Bundesliga star and other red-hot gossip

Arsenal are lining up a move for Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil. According to reports, Arsene Wenger is prepared to pay £12m for the Werder Bremen star who is 21-years-old. The German international finished last season as the leading assist maker in the Bundesliga. Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho is contemplating a surprise move to bring Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack to Real Madrid; Barcelona president Joan Laporta is "totally sure" the Catalan club will sign Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas; and Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants Martin Petrov, who has been released by Manchester City, to join fellow Bulgarian Stiliyan Petrov at Villa Park.