TWO-PRONGED ATTACK
Contract rebels link up to put squeeze on club
ALEXIS SANCHEZ and Mesut Ozil have joined forces to try to squeeze mega-deals out of Arsenal.
The two Gunners stars are entering the final year of their contracts and want in excess of £350,000 a week to make a further commitment It will be one of the first big challenges for Arsene Wenger to address following confirmation he has signed on for another two years as boss at the Emirates. Both players currently earn £140,000 a week and are believed to have kept a close eye on the other’s negotiations. Sanchez, 28, has indicated he will stay for the final 12 months, although Bayern Munich and Manchester City are keen on him.
Ozil has been offered £280,000 a week but the Germany midfielder is refusing to sign and holding out for £350,000.
Both men believe they have strong bargaining positions. If they wait another year, Arsenal would be faced with the prospect of letting them go for free while having to pay huge transfer fees and wages for replacements.
Ozil, also 28, cost a record £42million from Real Madrid four years ago, while Sanchez – leading scorer this season – arrived from Barcelona for £30m in 2014.
Arsenal are keen to add to their squad this summer and losing either player would send a bad signal to potential targets.
Wenger is under extra pressure to make big signings, with major shareholder Stan Kroenke insisting the club expects to win major trophies. The French coach last won the title in 2004, and Kroenke said: “Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies. It’s what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won’t rest until that is achieved.
“Arsene is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing.”
Kroenke rejected a takeover bid by Alisher Usmanov last week, and while the Russian billionaire welcomed the deal with Wenger he warned that he could make another effort to take control of the club.
Usmanov said: “What is now of paramount importance is that Arsene receives the full support of the board and majority shareholder.
“If the support is not forthcoming, we stand ready to step in.”