Antoine Griezmann transfer to Arsenal failed because of Mesut Ozil

Germany international playmaker Mesut Ozil could have been the reason Arsenal failed to sign Antoine Griezmann from Ateltico Madrid.

The North London-based club were closely linked with a move for Griezmann back in 2013, prior to his move to Spain.

However, according to a report from the Daily Cannon, Arsenal decided to sign Mesut Ozil for a club record £42 million instead.

Per the source, Arsenal halted all efforts to sign Griezmann after Ozil signed on the dotted line.

Meanwhile, according to the Express, Griezmann has claimed Arsenal pulled the plug on a move.

“I waited, and I kept waiting … when there was no news, Eric called Grimandi, who said that the manager was still interested in me [and] to keep waiting,” Griezmann was quoted as saying by the Express.

“Finally a few hours before the market closed, he let us know Arsenal would not make a move.

“I don’t like to be told something and for it not to happen.

“So when Eric told me later that the London club were interested again I told him: ‘Forget it, after the blow they gave us.”

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The Germany international has gone onto win three FA Cup’s at Arsenal but could end up leaving the club for free next summer. Ozil has under six months remaining on his contract with the Gunners and has been linked with a January exit from the club.

Arsenal suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of their title rivals Manchester United last weekend. Arsene Wenger’s side take on BATE Borisov in the Europa League on Thursday night before their weekend trip to Southampton.