The Catalans have been linked with a move for the Gunners' German playmaker, which could play into their hands heading into Tuesday's crucial Champions League first-leg clash
There were some raised eyebrows at Arsenal just over a week ago when reports emerged in Spain and Germany of interest from Barcelona in Mesut Ozil.
'Barca Plan' screamed one headline in Germany, with suggestions that Barcelona have already made contact over a potential summer transfer.
There was also a quote from Ozil's management company admitting there are "inquiries for him constantly" from "top teams" despite the player's wish to extend his contract in north London.
Arsenal were bemused by the unwelcome reports as club sources suggested there might be some mind games at play. It could be that the German midfielder's management want to use Barcelona's alleged interest in their ongoing negotiations with Arsenal over a new contract.
'Stop Ozil & Arsenal die!'
In 2010 and 2011, the Champions League last 16 ties were surrounded by speculation over Cesc Fabregas as his mates in the Barca side constantly encouraged the midfielder to return to his home city.
Other, less high-profile players, have moved from north London to Catalonia including Alexander Hleb and Alex Song.
But this time it's Ozil, with the reports emerging just in time for the Tuesday's first leg of the Champions League second round tie between the sides at the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old will be identified by Barcelona coach Luis Enrique as the fulcrum of Arsene Wenger's side, the man at the heart of almost every attacking move.
In the words of Henry: "If you stop Ozil, Arsenal are practically dead."
So it would be perfect for Barcelona if the playmaker is even slightly defocused, if his mind is sometimes drifting towards the thought of playing behind Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in one of the best teams in history.
The truth is that Ozil would leap at the chance to join Barcelona - and Arsenal know that. It is their place in the food chain.
The days of selling their best players to domestic rivals like Manchester City and Manchester United have been put firmly in the past, but Barcelona and Real Madrid can still cherry pick the best talent from the Premier League.
Wenger is keen to avoid a summer of disruption and would like to tie down both Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to new contracts before the end of the season.
But the links between the German and Barcelona will not do the Catalans any harm - and that is exactly what they want.
- Goal