Arsène Wenger admits it’s a possibility that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil could leave in January, but says both players are happy at the club.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Watford at the weekend, Wenger was asked about the situations of the two players, and whether the quotes from Özil’s agent meant they were close to a deal.
Wenger on Sanchez & Ozil: "Both players look happy here… at the moment, we are not close to announcing anything."
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) October 12, 2017
However, when pressed on whether it’s a possibility that the pair could leave in January, the Arsenal boss said the club are preparing for every eventuality, including the possibility that either leave in the winter window.
Wenger says it remains possible Sanchez and Ozil could leave in January. No possible outcome ruled out.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) October 12, 2017
Although it definitely didn’t seem as if Wenger was calling a mid-season exit for Sanchez or Özil likely, the fact he won’t rule it out will keep fans worrying about what happens next. Alexis in particular was so close to a move to Manchester City in the summer, that they’re very much expected to come back in for him again at the first opportunity.
Ozil’s future is a bit more safe in January, from what we know so far. The German’s agent confirmed that he wants to stay in the Premier League for two or three more years. That means there will be no pre-contract agreements in January, since Premier League clubs have to wait until May to negotiate a free transfer.
So the worst case scenario, assuming Özil’s agent is telling the truth, is a sale to a rival for a fee.