Arsene Wenger stands firm on player contract saga

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal are working to get several key players tied down to new deals at the Emirates Stadium.

Contract extensions for both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have dominated the news this week, with reports the pair are seeking parity with the highest-paid players in the Premier League. Both are expected to start in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Stoke with the Gunners looking to move to the top of the table for at least 24 hours. Hector Bellerin could also be involved having returned to training from an ankle injury, but he is the only player returning to the squad.

Wenger said yesterday that he will not allow Sanchez and Ozil to leave Arsenal even if they do not sign fresh contracts, opening up the possibility that the two most expensive signings in the club’s history could leave for free.