Arsene Wenger has set the record straight about the club’s stance on Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s contract situation.

The Arsenal pair, who have been in sublime form so far this season, have been linked to several rival clubs with less than two years remaining on their current contracts.

Ozil is yet to renew his deal to reassure fans about his commitment while Sanchez is rumoured to have attracted a highly lucrative offer from a Chinese club.

However, Wenger has reiterated that the Gunners are hopeful of convincing the key duo to remain in north London to avoid a repeat of the exits of Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie after contractual disputes.

“Eighteen months is quite long in football. These players have 18 months, they will be staying 18 months and, hopefully, much longer,” Wenger said ahead of the clash with Stoke City

“I don’t believe that it is a problem. A contract is between two parties and on my side the best position is to achieve it early.

“You have to accept that negotiations are private and secret and we don’t have to explain what we do with negotiations.”

“Why should you [Sanchez] go to China when you are playing in England?” he added

“We live in a world where the great players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil earn a lot of money and have the privilege to choose where they want to play.

“The commitment of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil is absolutely total and I’m very pleased with that.”

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