Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have joined forces to try to squeeze mega-deals out of Arsenal.
The Gunners' two biggest stars are entering the final year of their contracts, and both want in excess of £350,000 per week to make a further commitment.
It will be one of the first big challenges for Arsene Wenger to address, following confirmation he has signed on for another two years in charge at the Emirates.
Both players currently earn £140,000-a-week, and are believed to have kept a close eye on the other’s negotiations.
Striker Sanchez, 28, has indicated to the club he will stay for the final 12 months, although Bayern Munich and Manchester City are keen on him.
Midfielder Ozil, meanwhile, has been offered £280,000-a-week, but the Germany midfielder is refusing to sign and holding out for £350,000.
Both players know if they wait another year Arsenal will be faced with the prospect of letting them go for free on Bosmans and having to pay huge transfer fees and wages to replace them, or entice the pair to stay with massive contracts.
Ozil, also 28, cost a club-record £42m from Real Madrid four years ago, while Sanchez - Arsenal's leading scorer in the season just ended - left Barcelona in a £30m the following summer.
Arsenal are keen to add to their squad this summer and losing either player at the same time would send a bad signal to potential targets.
Now Wenger’s future is settled, he is under pressure to make big signings with major shareholder Stan Kroenke insisting the club “expects” to win “major trophies” as he reaffirmed his belief the Frenchman can win the title again.
Wenger has not delivered the championship since 2004, but US tycoon Kroenke said: “Our ambition is to win the Premier League and other major trophies in Europe.
"It’s what the fans, players, staff, manager and board expect and we won’t rest until that is achieved. Arsene is the best person to help us make that happen. He has a fantastic track record and has our full backing.”
Kroenke rejected a takeover bid by Alisher Usmanov last week and the Russian billionaire has welcomed the deal with Wenger, but also warned he will make another effort to take control of the club if he feels the manager is not receiving the right support.
He said on Wednesday night: “I am pleased that Arsene Wenger will continue to manage Arsenal for the next two years as he is one of the very best coaches in Europe.
“What is now of paramount importance is that he receives the full support of the board and majority shareholder. He has a great opportunity to deliver the success that the fans deserve and the legacy that his long contribution merits.
“However without the right support there remains a real risk that his legacy will be tarnished. If the support is not forthcoming, we stand ready to step in and do everything we can to deliver success on and off the field.”