Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are still pulling their weight at Arsenal, insists Per Mertesacker: 'I don't feel a dip in commitment'

• e-mail

Per Mertesacker is convinced that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil remain committed to the Arsenal cause.

Both Sanchez and Ozil are in the final year of their contracts at the Emirates Stadium and the pair have been linked with January moves away from the club.

That has led to suggestions from some quarters that their heads are not fully on the task at hand but club captain Mertesacker has nonsensed such claims. 

Alexis Sanchez trains with his Arsenal team-mates on a chilly morning at London Colney

Mesut Ozil warms up for the session on Wednesday morning ahead of a trip to Belgrade

Arsenal are readying themselves for the possible departures of their two top players

Asked if Sanchez and Ozil are giving their all for manager Arsene Wenger, the German said: 'Yes. Everyone has to do his job 100 per cent otherwise they are not eligible to be on the pitch.

'As long as everyone understands that then we are fine and you won't get problems from me. If I have a different feeling then it would be addressed.

'I have no problems with players in their final year, that includes me as well.

'The only issue I've got is if they're not fully committed to what we're doing here. 

Ozil and Sanchez will both find themselves out of contract at Arsenal next summer

Manager Arsene Wenger directs traffic during the training session on Wednesday morning

Per Mertesacker (right) does not think Ozil and Sanchez's commitment levels have dropped

Ozil makes his way to training ahead of the game against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is pictured in conversation with his team-mates

'Even if you're in your final year you have to prove yourself every single day, in order to stay here or to get another contract somewhere else.

'A lot of people focus on being on long-term contracts, but that's not needed. I don't feel a dip in commitment; we're in a good front with those who have their contracts expiring.' 

Sanchez and Ozil took part in training on Wednesday as the Gunners went through final preparations ahead of their Europa League trip to Red Star Belgrade.

Wenger oversaw the session at the club's London Colney facility underneath grey skies.

Having started their European campaign with victories over Cologne and BATE Borisov, Arsenal will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Serbian capital. 

Sanchez is pictured with Mertesacker and other team-mates at London Colney