Arsene Wenger: Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez may be sold in January
Arsenal boss admits star duo could leave during next transfer window
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger today admitted that the club may sell Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the January transfer window.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Watford - which kicks off at 5.30pm - Wenger said it was possible that the duo, who are both out of contract next summer, would be sold rather than leaving for nothing at the end of the campaign.
Ozil has been linked with a move to Manchester United, while Sanchez is a target for Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and United.
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According to the Sky Sports website, Wenger told a press conference: “Once you are in our kind of situation, we have envisaged every solution. Yes, it’s possible.”
Contract talks with both players are ongoing, and Wenger said he believes Ozil wants to stay with the Gunners.
“That is my understanding,” Wenger said. “The fact we didn’t agree last year doesn’t mean he wants to leave.
“Both players look happy and, overall, I hope the situation can be turned round, but at the moment we are not close enough to announce anything. Talks are going well.”
Meanwhile, Wenger said he would be speaking to Sanchez to assess his mental state after the striker and his Chile side missed out on a place at next year’s World Cup finals.
Chile lost 3-0 to Brazil and were edged out of the play-offs by goal difference. Wenger believes that the physical nature of the game could have had an effect on Sanchez.
“I will have to speak to him,” said Wenger. “I am more concerned that yesterday afternoon I watched the whole game, Brazil against Chile, to see how difficult was... and I must say he got some special treatment in this game.
“It was a very physical game. Mentally, I will have to assess the situation when he comes back tomorrow.”
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