Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are still trying to extend both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s contracts.
Both stars’ current deals run out in 2018 and, considering their quality, other clubs are going to start sniffing around soon if they aren’t already.
Therefore, you can imagine there’s a hint of desperation that the boss doesn’t expose publicly. Speaking about Ozil, he mentioned how the playmaker is currently in his prime and how he hopes his future is with Arsenal.
Both players allegedly want more money (although Ozil’s future seems to be more closely linked to that of Wenger), which is understandable considering how integral they are to the team.
Wenger on Ozil/Sanchez contracts extensions: "We are in touch and that is our desire. Ozil is in the prime of his career."
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) October 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/789382336756396032
Obviously, there needs to be a balance between what they and their people are demanding and what we can realistically afford. However, in the case of Ozil, Wenger has been quite jocular recently, which suggests at least some positive movement as far as the German’s concerned.
Hopefully this is the case and we get some good news soon.
The boss has been far less talkative about Alexis’ future, which does make me wonder whether he’s less certain about the Chilean.