Rio Ferdinand issues blunt warning to Arsenal ahead of Stoke clash

Rio Ferdinand has once again warned Arsenal that they must convince Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to both sign new contracts with the club if they want to be serious about winning silverware in the years to come.

Sanchez and Ozil have both been in fine form for the north London side this season to help Arsenal through to the last 16 of the Champions League and up to second place in the Premier League.

Both players have 18 months left on their current deals with the Gunners and they are believed to be in talks with the Gunners about extending their contracts beyond 2018.

However, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand has talked up the importance of Arsenal tying the pair down to new contracts.

Speaking on BT Sport after Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Ferdinand said: “This tells you though – Arsenal have to get these two signed up.

“They have 18 months left on their contracts.

“If Arsenal are thinking about challenging for any type of silverware they’ve got to sign them up.”

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Arsenal now turn their attentions back to Premier League affairs and their home clash against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.