Per Mertesacker sends warning to Arsenal about Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal can ill-afford to lose Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil this summer, according to Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker has warned Arsenal that they can’t afford to lose Mesut Ozil or Alexis Sanchez in the summer transfer window.
The north London side are still to agree new deals with key pair Ozil and Sanchez despite starting negotiations over a contract extension at the end of 2016.
Ozil has been tipped to remain at Arsenal despite failing to put pen to paper on a new deal so far, but Sanchez has been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs.
Indeed, Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City are thought to be interested in reuniting Sanchez with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Champions League runners-up Juventus are another two clubs touted with an interest in signing the 28-year-old forward this summer.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s first pre-season game in Sydney this week, club captain Mertesacker warned the Gunners about the perils of losing Ozil or Sanchez this summer.
“We have a strong squad and I think we do not want to lose any players so even in their final contract year, we need them. We cannot afford to lose them,” Mertesacker told Sky Sports.
“If we are talking about championships, then keeping our best players is key.”
The Gunners finished in fifth place in the Premier League table last season to miss out on a spot in the Champions League.
Arsenal were 2-1 winners against Premier League champions Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
