Arsenal legend issues blunt warning about Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil

Charlie Nicholas has warned Arsenal that they have no excuses for not tying Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil down to new contracts.

The pair are believed to be in talks with the north London side about extending their current deals beyond 2018.

Both Sanchez and Ozil have regularly proved their importance to the north London club with their impressive displays for Arsene Wenger’s men.

Ozil has earned a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top playmakers since his move to the north London side from Real Madrid back in 2013.

Sanchez, meanwhile, has developed into one of the top flight’s strongest attacking talents following his transfer from Barcelona back in 2014.

With both players yet to sign new deal at The Emirates, Nicholas has warned that the Gunners will have no excuses for failing to secure the duo on new deals.

Speaking in an interview with The Mirror, Nicholas said: “The ingredients are there, but Arsenal are running out of excuses to turn them into a formula for winning the major trophies.

“There is no reason why they can’t do it.

“They are looking at tying down Ozil and Sanchez on long contracts, which is massively important, and that would be a big statement of intent.

“But there is no reason why Arsenal can’t pay top dollar for their best players now because the Emirates Stadium is paid-for and they are not so constrained by finance.

“It’s time for the players to deliver – if they don’t, they will come under pressure from the fans and so, I’m afraid, will the manager.”

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Arsenal are currently preparing for their Premier League clash against West Ham United on Saturday night.