Mesut Ozil is reportedly wanted by Chelsea. (PA Wire)

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Mesut Ozil from Arsenal, according to reports in Germany.

The 29-year-old is yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal and will be available as a free agent at the end of the season if he fails to agree a new deal.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing the Germany international, who has already worked under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Barcelona have also been linked with Ozil, and reports last week claimed that the midfielder had agreed the terms of a contract with the La Liga leaders.

Arsene Wenger insists Ozil is staying at Arsenal in January. (Reuters)

But SportBild now claim that Chelsea are a ‘hot candidate’ to sign Ozil, who is understood to be keen on remaining in the Premier League.

Chelsea were looking to strengthen their midfield options last summer and while they managed to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, the Premier League champions failed in their attempt to land Ross Barkley from Everton.

Antonio Conte has already expressed his concern over Chelsea’s squad size and is reportedly targeting two new additions ahead of the upcoming window.

Mesut Ozil peels away in celebration after scoring goal against Everton
Ozil is also wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona. (Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, sparked confusion over Ozil’s future this week by claiming that the midfielder will not be sold in January.

The Arsenal manager had suggested that the club could be open to offers this winter, but on Tuesday, he insisted that Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will be staying until the end of the season.

‘They will be here,’ said Wenger.

‘I do not think every day about that, as long as they are here they have to give their best for the team and the club.

‘In my head they stay until the end of the season – that was a decision taken at the start of the season.’