Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has refused to rule out a move for Arsenal midfielder, although he is pessimistic a deal could be finalised in the January transfer window.

The German international has been reluctant to extend his contractual terms at the Emirates despite entering the final year of his Gunners deal.

Nerazzurri president Erick Thohir recently admitted that Ozil is one of the prime targets for the club for the New Year, but Ausilio appears doubtful whether a deal could be agreed midway through the season, 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 for improvement, which is what we are working on."

Apart from Ozil, compatriot Shkodran Mustafi has also been associated with a move to San Siro with the Serie A giants failing with a late approach for his services in the summer. Arsenal were reluctant to accept anything less than £35m for the centre-back in August, and this ultimately stalled the deal. Speaking about the need for a new central defender, Ausilio added: "A new centre-back? We are looking for new opportunities. But we have [Danilo] D'Ambrosio and other Primavera team players."

Ozil has had a poor start to the Premier League season with the Gunners with no goals or assists registered to date. He has struggled with a minor knee injury over the past few weeks, and this has seen him miss the games against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion while he only made a cameo appearance in the 2-0 triumph over West Bromwich Albion.

Aside from Inter Milan, the likes of Fenerbahce and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest with the former deemed to be favourites to secure his signature in the future. Arsenal will have the option of agreeing a cut-price deal for Ozil during the winter transfer window, but they are likely to risk him for the remainder of his contract in the hope of extending his stay.