Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has spoken of his side’s reported interest in Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
The Serie A club have been linked with a move for the German playmaker as his contract is set to expire at the Emirates next summer.
Speaking prior to Inter’s 2-1 win against Benevento on Sunday, Ausilio confirmed the Nerazzurri are looking to strengthen in January, but aren’t optimistic of landing the 28-year-old.
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He told Premium Sport: “We are studying our squad, we have scouts everywhere and they look at every kind of player.
“I don’t think players like him (Ozil) will be leaving in January.
“Luciano Spalletti knows this team has room from improvement, that’s what we are working on.
“A new centre-back? We are looking for new opportunities but we have D’Ambrosio and other Primavera team players.”
Only recently did Inter’s chairman Erik Thohir confirm that Ozil is on the list of targets his club are vying to bring to the San Siro.
He revealed: “He (Ozil) is definitely one of those players we are looking at.”
It has been reported that Arsenal would be willing to do business with Inter over Ozil, but only if they swap him for Portuguese ace Joao Mario.
Though the Italian club are believed to block any deal of Mario linking up with the Gunners.
Former goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has urged Arsene Wenger to trade in Ozil for the 24-year-old to avoid losing the ex-Real Madrid supremo on a free transfer.
