Shkodran Mustafi insists that he doesn’t care about what happens with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s contracts, as long as they perform on the pitch while they’re still Arsenal players.

With just six months left on their contracts at Arsenal, Alexis and Ozil are now free to open talks with foreign clubs if they want to leave. What’s more, the likes of Manchester City and PSG are being linked with the Chilean, while Ozil is reported to be heading to either United or Barcelona.

However, the uncertainty surrounding the two stars’ futures apparently doesn’t impact the rest of the squad… as long as they’re performing on the pitch.

At least that’s what Mustafi claims.

“Obviously, they are important – they are two big players,” said the 25-year-old. “Alexis has been scoring a lot of goals, Mesut has been scoring and assisting a lot of goals so obviously they are very important because they are top class players. 

“But the headlines, that is something really personal for them. They decide [their futures] with the manager so I don’t care too much about it. The only thing we care about is when they are on the pitch, they give everything. That makes it for me, easier, because when I see the people in front give everything, it makes me want to give everything as well.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their second goal with Mesut Ozil during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their second goal with Mesut Ozil during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

While what Mustafi says makes sense since Alexis and Ozil’s futures at Arsenal aren’t any of his business, it’s hard to believe that the speculation doesn’t at least effect the rest of the Gunners.

They don’t know who’s coming or going, or how strong their squad’s going to be from one month to the next. I imagine it’s pretty exhausting but Mustafi can’t exactly say that publicly.

Although he’s currently carrying a knee injury, generally Ozil seems to be playing far better this season than Alexis, who had one really good game against Crystal Palace. The Chilean may have netted seven Premier League goals this term but he’s looked far from the player he was this time last year.

And, if reports are to be believed, contrary to what Mustafi says, the 29-year-old’s attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed.