Arsene Wenger has suggested that both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil should lower their wage demands and not let money decide their futures, reports the Daily Mirror.
However, the Frenchman has admitted he might be ‘naive’ in hoping cash will not be a major factor in the duo signing new terms at Arsenal.
Both players’ contracts expire at the end of next season, and Wenger is desperate to extend their stay at the Emirates.
It’s thought Ozil is the highest earning player at the club, pocketing £140,000-a-week, with Sanchez just below that mark.
Talks have been ongoing, but no breakthrough has yet been made. Arsenal have the financial backing to offer healthy wages to their top players and keep them happy, and reports claim the duo want wages in the excess of £200,000-a-week, with some suggesting they want to be on par with Paul Pogba’s wages at Manchester United.
On the matter, Wenger said:
‘We are in negotiations, yes. The players have 18 months away from the end of their contracts, so it’s normal.
‘I would like to say the luxury of the modern game should be that it’s not only about the money because the players make good money at this level anyway, wherever they play.
‘I believe, personally – maybe I am a bit naïve – that it’s more about getting to meet the players’ needs. That’s about the way the club has values, the way the club has ambition, the way the club respects the players. So I think, for me, that is more important nowadays and an important ingredient for every player to consider. The money is good everywhere for everybody.’
Arsenal fans will be desperate to see both players sign new deals, especially Alexis Sanchez, who has been in scintillating form for the Gunners this season.
However, Wenger’s comments and naivety may be viewed as a negative by some and could be an indication that talks may continue for a little longer than expected.
Arsenal have no reason not to give their best players what they want these days and although they have to keep within the wage budget, surely they are able to offer just that little bit more money to the deserving and most important first-team players?
For me, Ozil and Sanchez are worthy of £200,000-a-week, but anymore than this could be questioned. Hopefully, these contract negotiations don’t drag on for much longer, but it could well do.
