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Arsenal's Mesut Ozil targets Ballon d'Or; wants Germany Olympics call-up

Mesut Ozil hopes a successful 2016 for Arsenal and Germany will put him in contention for the Ballon d'Or, and would not reject a call-up for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Ozil, 26, is currently with the Germany national squad as the 2014 World Cup winners prepare for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Poland and Scotland.

The Arsenal midfielder is nursing a minor knee injury which ruled him out of the Gunners' 1-0 victory at Newcastle last Saturday, and it is unclear whether he will play against Group D leaders Poland on Friday.

The tournament in France is one of two the Arsenal star wants to play and win next year. Earlier this summer, Germany's under-21 side qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 1988.

Three players born before January 1993 are eligible to play for their country, and the former Real Madrid star wants to be part of that trio to take part in the biggest sporting event in the world in 2016.

When asked about possibly of winning the Gold medal in Rio, Ozil told Sport Bild: "It would be wicked. The coach [Horst Hrubesch] decides whether I'll receive a call up.

"Should he ask me, I would not say no. I would love to take part in the Olympic Games in Rio and chase the medals with our lads. The Olympic Games would certainly be a real career highlight."

The Olympic Games take place in Rio de Janeiro from Aug. 5-21 -- less than a month later than the end of Euro 2016 -- another major goal for Ozil.

"As a World Cup winner I want to become a European champion in France next year. That's our big goal," Ozil, who has lost three kilos with the help of a new diet in the past three months, said.

The German is also eyeing the Ballon d'Or despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi winning the past five awards between them.

The Arsenal midfielder knows that it will take a sensational year to be in the mix but believes he can do it, saying: "I have to become more dangerous in front of the goal. I was injured for long spells last season, and scored only five in 32 competitive games. I want to improve this. To achieve it, I have to be a bit more egotistical."

Goals could help the midfielder be in the spotlight more often, but Ozil is aware that he will need trophies as well as "playing a very good season" to win the Ballon d'Or.

"You need to win major titles with both club and country," he added. "In 2016, the chances are there to do just that. We've got a great team at Arsenal, which can win titles.

"After two FA Cup victories in the past two years, we want to be in the mix for the Premier League title. We also need to beat the knockout stages curse in Champions League.

"The group stage clashes with Bayern Munich are a real benchmark test. And I want to win the European Championships with Germany."