Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger doesn’t expect out-of-contract stars Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to leave the club when the transfer window opens in January.
The duo’s contracts expire on 30 June 2018 but the Frenchman said today that unless a rival club makes an “unbelievable” offer they will stay at the Emirates until at least the end of the season.
Wenger wants Ozil and Sanchez to extend their Arsenal contracts so the club will not be tempted to cash in in January. If they don’t renew their deals, the pair can leave for nothing in the summer.
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Speaking to media ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Huddersfield Town, Wenger was asked if Ozil and Sanchez would be at Arsenal come 1 February and if they would be part of the squad for next season.
Quoted by Sky Sports, Wenger said: “Yes, of course. That is what we said many times. I am not the only one who can decide that [their futures]. They have a part to play in that as well but, if it is my decision, yes.”
Ruling out selling the duo in January, Wenger added: “Yes, I rule it out. I do not think every day about that. At the moment I think, as long as they are here, they have to give their best for the team and for the club. In my head, they stay until the end of the season.”
The decision was taken at the start of the season, he said, and “unless something unbelievable happens, I don’t think it should change.
“They are going into the final year of their contract. Will they stay longer? That is impossible to answer today but they have a contract until the end of the season.”
Ozil was this week linked to Spanish giants Barcelona, while Manchester City and Manchester United have both been reported to be interested in the German midfielder and Chile striker Sanchez.
Arsenal face Huddersfield tomorrow at the Emirates and Ozil is a doubt after missing the win over Burnley with illness.
“From Sunday’s game [against Burnley], of course we did not have [Mesut] Ozil,” said Wenger. “He has planned to practise again today and we will make an assessment after the training session.”
Tonight’s Premier League fixtures (7.45pm unless stated)
Tomorrow’s Premier League fixtures (7.45pm unless stated)
