Football
ESPN staff 6y

Kroenke wants to 'keep top players' like Ozil, Alexis at Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil could be convinced to extend their stays at Arsenal, according to the club's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke.

The attacking duo are out of the contract at the end of the season, and manager Arsene Wenger has hinted at cashing in on them in the January transfer window.

But Kroenke says Sanchez and Ozil are the kind of quality players that Arsenal need to retain to compete with the best in Europe.

"We want to attract top players, keep top players. Those guys [Sanchez and Ozil] are top players," Kroenke told The Mirror.

"I watched them on Sunday [in the 5-2 win at Everton] and they looked really good in black with the red trim. They looked really good and they played really well and we'd love to keep them.

"It takes two to dance. We'll keep working to keep our top talent and to attract more talent but some of the guys we've got are looking pretty good.

"I feel good about Arsenal's ability to compete, and compete at a very high level. But I also feel we can get better, I really do. I think we'll get better at it."

Chile international Sanchez has been linked to Manchester City, who are managed by his former Barcelona boss, Pep Guardiola.

Despite his form tapering off last season, World Cup-winning Germany midfielder Ozil would be a target for any club competing in the UEFA Champions League.

But Kroenke suggested that Ozil and Sanchez could do a lot worse than signing new deals to remain in north London.

"[London is a] great city, [Arsenal are a] tremendous club with a great tradition and a great manager," Kroenke said. "And we do spend a lot on players. You can always say one club does this, or that. But we really do."

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