Arsenal use Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in new kit launch helping to quell exit rumours

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Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil appeared in the photo shoot for Arsenal's new kit launch on Wednesday suggesting both players are part of the club's plans for the 2017/18 season.

The pair's future has been subject to intense speculation in the build-up to the summer transfer window with neither committing to a new contract.

Sanchez in particular spent large parts of last season looking unhappy and has been heavily linked with a move to the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and PSG.

If neither player signs a new contract this summer they would be free to leave the club for no fee at the end of next season.

However, the images of a cheery Sanchez and Ozil in the new Puma strip will boost Arsenal fans' hopes that the club plan to keep them both.

Even if they do not sign a new deal straight away, manager Arsene Wenger has also hinted he will not look to offload them this summer.

"This summer, first of all they will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contract," the Frenchman said earlier this month.

"We're focused on keeping the team together and to see how we can strengthen the team.

"When you sign a contract somewhere, you commit to give your best until the end of the last day of that contract. I would say 'why should they not give their best?'

"The interest of any player is always to play football and well, even more so at the end of your contract. If you're a winner, you want to win the game you're playing."

The new kit, a darker shade of red than last season's offering, will go on sale on Monday 3 July, ahead of the club's first pre-season fixture against Sydney FC in Australia.