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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil not leaving in January

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Arsene Wenger has reassured Arsenal fans that neither Alexis Sanchez nor Mesut Ozil will be sold in January

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will not be leaving the club during the January transfer window.

The pair are both out of contract at the end of the season but Wenger says he is hopeful they will still be Arsenal players next term.

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Sanchez and Ozil have both been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe but, despite the fact their contracts expire on 30 June 2018, Wenger is adamant the Gunners will not be tempted to cash in during the winter window.

Asked on Tuesday if the pair would still be Arsenal players on February 1, Wenger said: "Yes, of course. That is what we said many times."

Regarding whether the pair will sign new contracts and remain at the club for 2018/19, Wenger said: "I am not the only one who can decide that.

"They have a part to play in that as well but, if it is my decision, yes."

Pressed on whether Arsenal had completely ruled out selling either or both of Sanchez or Ozil in January, Wenger added: "Yes, I rule it out.

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"I do not think every day about that. At the moment I think, as long as they are here, they have to give their best for the team and for the club.

"In my head, they stay until the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger during an Arsenal training session at London Colney
Image: Wenger says Arsenal should stick with their plan and keep Sanchez and Ozil until at least the end of the season

"That was the decision taken at the start of the season - unless something unbelievable happens, I don't think it should change.

"They are going into the final year of their contract.

"Will they stay longer? That is impossible to answer today but they have a contract until the end of the season."

Ozil missed Sunday's win at Burnley due to illness and he remains doubtful for the visit of Huddersfield on Wednesday.

Wenger said on Tuesday: "From Sunday's game, of course we did not have [Mesut] Ozil.

"He has planned to practice again today and we will make an assessment after the training session."

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal on November 5
Image: Jack Wilshere has been playing well for Arsenal in Europe

Another Arsenal player whose contract expires at the end of the season is England midfielder Jack Wilshere.

The 25-year-old, who was on loan at Bournemouth last season, has struggled with injuries over recent years but is fit this term and playing well in the Europa League, although he has made just three substitute appearances in the top flight.

And Wenger insists he will take Wilshere's best interests into consideration when it comes to the decision over offering him a new deal or allowing him to leave in search of regular first-team action.

"I always considered his interest because for me he's an Arsenal player and has been since he was a kid," said Wenger.

"He's a football man and I will always decide what is best for him. That is my first priority, no matter what kind of decision I make.

"I have to consider the interests of Jack Wilshere and Arsenal Football Club together.

"If I think his best interest is to stay here, then I will absolutely fight 100 per cent for him to stay, because he's a guy who is top quality and is back fit now."

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