PREMIER LEAGUE I’LL BE BACK
Overmars keen for return as Wenger warns Sanchez over wage demands
MARC OVERMARS has opened the door to an Arsenal return as director of football this summer. Sportsmail revealed on Wednesday that the Dutchman, who is currently sporting director at Ajax, has emerged as an early contender for the position.
And Overmars believes his name features on a list candidates Arsenal want to speak to about the role. ‘I think there is a list with some names and I might be on it,’ said the former Gunners winger.
‘I know the club pretty well, I have always kept in touch with Arsenal. So in that respect it is not surprising, because I’ve had a few good years. I had certain ambitions as a player, and I have those as a director of football. We’ll see what happens in the future. Right now we’re focused on Ajax. I just signed here for four years.’
Arsenal have started their search for the club’s first director of football despite the expectation that manager Arsene Wenger will sign a new two-year contract. Wenger will see his position weakened by the appointment of director of football.
When asked about the plans to restructure the club’s football operation this summer, Wenger added: ‘I’m not [aware of Overmars being a contender]. I like Marc Overmars, he is director of football at Ajax Amsterdam. I’m sure there are plenty of candidates to take care of Arsenal Football Club, I’m not worried about that.’
Meanwhile, Wenger has warned Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil that Arsenal will not break the bank to keep them this summer. The Gunners boss fears giving into the duo’s wage demands will only serve to
Arsenal aim for overlord Overmars
Sami Mokbel’s exclusive story from Wednesday’s Sportsmail damage harmony within the squad. The pair both stalled over signing extensions and talks have been shelved until the end of the season.
Sanchez, who earns £130,000-perweek has been offered a mega £400,000-per-week deal from China, while there is strong interest across Europe. But the Chilean is holding out for an offer close to £300,000per-week to stay at the Emirates.
Ozil, the club’s top earner on £140,000-per-week, wants to at least double his current salary but the German’s attempts to secure a pay increase are being hindered by a lack of interest. Arsenal know they will have to smash their wage structure to keep the attackiung pair at the Emirates.
But Wenger insists he will not damage team unity when talks are resumed.
When asked whether paying huge amounts can destabilise the dressing room, the Frenchman replied: ‘Always. You have to make the decision in an objective way.
‘The club has to be the priority. I understand that top players is a big priority but at the end of the day, even for important players, you can only pay as much as you can afford. Every player has to make decisions. Where are your priorities? Where do you want to play? I think the first priority for top players is to play with the best players and in the best league.’