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Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are reluctant to commit to Arsenal as the pair grow concerned that the club is not capable of challenging for major trophies, according to The Times.
The Times understands that contract talks with the star duo, which started last year, have been postponed until the end of the season as Ozil and Sanchez weigh up their futures.
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The Gunners had hoped to avoid either player going into the final two years of their contracts and were willing to offer them long-term deals worth £160,000 per week, The Times reports.
But The Times adds that there has been no progress in the negotiations because Arsenal’s two most expensive signings need convincing over the direction in which the club is heading.
Arsenal were the only top-flight club in the top five European leagues not to sign an outfield player last summer, and have dropped to fourth in the Premier League having been top in January.
Arsene Wenger’s side are now in a fight to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, and The Times suggests that Ozil and Sanchez would consider leaving if they do not qualify.
Even if they do finish in the top four, the German playmaker and Chilean attacker would want assurances over future signings, and Arsenal’s intent to compete for the biggest prizes in the game.
Wenger is notoriously cautious in the transfer market, but may need to act in the upcoming window because it is imperative that Arsenal keep hold of Ozil and Sanchez as they aim to compete.
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