Transfer Centre

Sead Kolasinac: 'Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez contracts not an issue'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 13 October 2017

Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac insists that the uncertain futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil do not present a problem for the team.

Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac has insisted that the uncertain futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are not presenting the team with any problems.

Both players are into the final 12 months of their existing deals at the Emirates and have thus far rejected all offers to pen fresh terms as they seek more lucrative wage packages elsewhere.

Sanchez has been heavily tipped to defect to Manchester City when the transfer window reopens in January, while Ozil could yet remain in North London despite being linked with Manchester United.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger yesterday admitted that it is "possible" both players could move on in a few months, but Kolasinac is adamant that the issue is irrelevant.

"Of course, we would be happy to keep them, but I think it is important not to talk about the contracts," he told the Evening Standard. "Mesut and Alexis are two players who always give their all and it is not an issue.

"It is not a problem around the team. It gives the team security knowing we have players like them, knowing they can make the difference."

Sanchez and Ozil have a combined 317 appearances in all competitions for Wenger's side.