Arsenal: Big Nacho Monreal claim not ridiculous at all

Nacho Monreal has claimed that he expects Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to stay at Arsenal until the end of the season. It is a big claim. But it’s probably true.

The future of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. It is a question that everyone asked with very few answers provided. Arsene Wenger insisted throughout the summer that they would not be sold. To that end, he was right. But we have entered uncharted waters. This is new for Arsenal.

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In the past, when stars’ contracts have winded down to the final 12 months, Wenger has been, eventually, willing to sell them. Just this summer, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was sold because of that exact predicament.

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But this time, Ozil and Sanchez have not departed. They are still plying their trade in North London, and, after Saturday’s North London derby, doing so with the same effervescent, inspirational influence as always. Because of their importance to the team, the question of their future is one that everyone remotely involved in the situation is being asked, including their teammates. Speaking with the IB Times, Spanish international Nacho Monreal, who has shared a dressing room with Ozil and Sanchez ever since they joined the club, submitted his belief that the pair will stay until the end of the season:

"“Yes, the feeling is that they will continue. At no time have we talked about the possibility of them leaving. Not at all. They are committed to the group and we will see what happens. I can’t say much about it. It does not depend on me. The situation is clear. They are two vital players for Arsenal. They are two players who end their contracts at the end of the season.”"

That may seem like a big claim to make. I’m not sure how many people would agree with it, even if that is what they would like to see.

But I do feel that Wenger, in his stubborn and unwavering ways, is committed to seeing through the decision that he made in the summer to keep the pair, irrespective of what happened as a result.

A £60 million bid has always been rejected for Sanchez. So how much would it take for Arsenal to sell the duo? And, given that potential suitors can sign them for free just six months later, how much would they be willing to pay? It’s difficult to see those two things aligning such that a deal can be agreed upon.

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Monreal has stuck his neck out on the line with his prediction. But I believe that, when the guillotine strikes, his head will still be intact. I think that Ozil and Sanchez will stay. So, I guess I should look forward to writing articles about their exit in January…