REPORTS: Mesut Özil keen to leave Arsenal for Barcelona

Arsenal's long-term plans have been dealt a potential blow with reports in Spain claiming Mesut Özil could leave the club in the summer.

The German midfielder has stalled on new contract talks, and may decide to trade North London for Barcelona. According to Marca, Özil is unsure about committing his long-term future to the club if Arsenal cannot prove they are serious contenders for the Champions League. The 27-year-old, who leads the Premier League for assists this season, was coveted by Barcelona when he left Werder Bremen after the 2010 World Cup. However, then-manager Pep Guardiola allowed Özil to join Madrid so as not to hinder the breakthrough of Thiago, Marca reports. Arsenal take on Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, and a surprise victory for the Gunners could yet convince their midfield star to stay at the club for years to come.