MONREAL: I’D TIP ALEX AND OZIL TO STAY

NACHO MONREAL reckons Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will be Arsenal players until at least the end of the season.

The Gunners’ star duo are out of contract at the end of this campaign, but could leave in cut-price deals in the new year.

Sanchez saw a potential £60million move to Manchester City collapse on deadline day in the summer, though the league leaders are considering reviving their interest in January.

With the Chile forward (above) then having just half a season left on his contract, his value would plummet to around £20m.

Barcelona have emerged as a possible destination for playmaker Ozil (below), who is being viewed by the La Liga leaders as a cheaper £17m alternative to Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

But team-mate Monreal believes the pair will be staying put for now and insists they remain fully committed to the Arsenal cause.

The defender said: “The feeling is that they will continue. At no time have we talked about the possibility of them leaving. They are committed to the group and we will see what happens. I can’t say much about it and it does not depend on me.

“But the situation is clear. They are two vital players for Arsenal, whose contracts will be finished at the end of the season.

“I do not know the club’s intentions. Other people will have to make that decision.”

Sanchez and Ozil are set to be rested, along with Arsene Wenger’s other first-choice stars, for tomorrow’s trip to Cologne.

Arsenal are already through and need a win to guarantee top spot.

But boss Wenger will revert to the youthful, experimental side he has used in the competition so far.