‘Duo will stay in January’
ARSENE WENGER has ruled out cashing in on Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in January.
The Arsenal pair, who will be free agents next summer, are stalling on signing new deals and are expected to run down their contracts.
Manchester City remain keen on signing Chilean striker Sanchez and Ozil is wanted by several clubs, with Manchester United believed to be targeting the German playmaker.
But manager Wenger insists the north Londoners will not be selling them to the highest bidder in the winter window.
Asked if they will still be Arsenal players in the new year, the Arsenal manager said: “Yes, of course. I rule it out.
“In my head they are here until the end of the season. That was the decision at the start of the season. Unless something unbelievable happens, I can’t see why that will change. For me, they stay until the end of the season.
“Will they stay longer? That’s impossible to answer today. But they have a contract until the end of the season.”
Regarding whether they will commit their long-term futures to
the club, Wenger said: “I’m not the only one who can decide that. They have a part to play in that as well but, if it’s my decision, yes.”
England midfielder Jack Wilshere is another Gunners player whose future is shrouded in uncertainty.
Wilshere revealed last week that he is ready to leave unless he starts playing on a regular basis in the Premier League.
England manager Gareth Southgate has warned he will not pick players for the World Cup unless they are playing for their club.
Wilshere, who has been an ever-present in the Europa League, has not started a league game but is in the frame to end that run against Huddersfield tonight.
“I will absolutely fight for him to stay here because he’s a topquality player,” said Wenger.
Arsenal are bidding for a 12th successive home win and face a Huddersfield side whose head coach David Wagner has hailed Wenger as a “living legend” as the pair prepare to meet for the first time.
“Putting Arsene Wenger and David Wagner in the same sentence? It’s not possible,” he said when asked whether the pair shared any similarities.
“I will meet him for the first time. He is a living legend. It’s exciting to meet him and his team.”