Wenger hints Ozil and Sanchez could run down contracts

Arsene Wenger: Denies bust-up

Arsene Wenger: Denies bust-up

Arsene Wenger claimed he was unperturbed by the transfer talk surrounding Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez and hinted the pair could run down their contracts.

The star duo have been the subject of transfer talk over the last few months with both of their contracts set to expire in June 2018.

Wenger has previously claimed that contract negotiations with the duo are ongoing and that talks are more than about money with agents now muddying the waters more than ever.

“Eighteen months is quite long in football you know,” said Wenger at today’s press call. “They have 18 months contract and are completely committed and will do well as long as they are here.

“Beyond that we will try to extend their contract. But I can’t make a subject of that in every press conference.

“The less you talk about it the better it is.”

Reports yesterday claimed Sanchez had been offered £400,000 a week to make the move to the Chinese Super League and join the likes of Gervinho, Hulk and Demba Ba.

Asked whether he thought the offer was legitimate, Wenger said: ” Believe it yes, why not. Why should you go to China today when you play in England?”

Wenger then was asked to elaborate on the discussion with the duo.

“It’s a repetition of the same things,” said the Frenchman. “You’re always asking the same things. But that doesn’t quicken negotiations, the decision process.”

“I’m not the only one who can decide. In this case it’s between two parties. On my side, the best position is to negotiate.

“These players will stay for at least 18 months. Negotiations are private. We don’t always need to explain.”

Mesut Ozil

Ozil and Sanchez have both been in excellent form this season – a fact which was acknowledge by Wenger.

“They’ve been hugely important. We talk a lot in the press conference but the most important thing is on the pitch.

“They are professional footballers and people forget many times the best quality is to give 100 per cent, here and now, to be fully committed to the cause.

“I would say that our chances created is clearer and clearer. We create good quality chances because we have a good team dynamic. Away we play with freedom. At home we have to let the handbrake go and score more goals,” he added