Wenger insists Alexis and Özil will stay at Arsenal despite interest from Madrid and Barça
Arsenal's manager said in Tuesday's press conference that neither Alexis Sánchez nor Mesut Özil will leave in the winter transfer window.
Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil are staying with Arsenal. That was the reply Arsène Wenger gave in today's press conference when asked about the offers which the pair have received. The Gunners' manager hopes that this latest declaration will put a stop to the rumours which have been circulating about both players in recent weeks. Over the past few days, Real Madrid have been linked with the Chilean striker while Barcelona are keen to bring in midfielder, Özil.
Alexis and Özil not leaving, says Wenger
Wenger said he is sure that both players will still be at Arsenal on 1 February. "Of course they'll be here. I rule out their departure. At the moment, 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 and that’s a decision that was taken at the start of the season. Unless something unbelievable happens, I can’t see why that would change", he told reporters. Since last season, both Alexis and Özil have demanded exorbitant economic returns to renew their contracts with the club. Wenger's comments today suggests a departure on the club's previous stance on the players; back on 12 October, the coach admitted that there was a chance that both could leave.
Alexis on Real Madrid's radar
The figures which Real Madrid have gained in front of goal so far this season has prompted the club to go in search of an out-and-out centre-forward. Zidane has gone as far as saying there is a strong possibility that Madrid will make reinforcements in January. Alexis is a player who has impressed Madrid. The Chile international will be able to move on a free transfer in June and now is the ideal time for Arsenal to cash in by selling him.
Like Alexis, Özil's contract with Arsenal is also up in June and the player was one of the options which Barça have had in mind since last summer if their bid to land Philippe Coutinho fails. The only condition which the player has included is a high signing-on fee. Barça hope that they can get Özil for a reasonable price as he will also be able to leave on a free next summer.
