Skip to content

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal's top-four place will not impact on player contracts

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil during Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on April 2, 2017
Image: Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been subject of contract speculation this season

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will give everything to finish in the top four, but insists the future of his key players is not dependent on securing Champions League football for next season.

Earlier this week, Alexis Sanchez told Sky Sports that he will decide his Arsenal future in the summer, while Mesut Ozil's contract expires at the end of next season.

Victory over Manchester United on Sunday gave Arsenal fresh hope of a top-four finish for the 21st consecutive season, and Wenger says that will be their sole focus at Southampton on Wednesday night.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsene Wenger still believes his side has a chance of finishing in the top four of the Premier League

Live Premier League

"We build our success with intelligence," said Wenger. "We took advantage of the chances we created in the right moments of the game. We responded after last Sunday and it gives us still a chance to go in the top four.

"For us we just want to win our games to have a chance. That's all we can do."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Arsenal 2-0 Manchester Utd

Asked whether the lack of Champions League football would impact on the club, Wenger said: "Maybe, it can impact if in a longer spell you are not in there. But at the moment we are not in that mode.

Get Sky Sports
Get Sky Sports

Sky Customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports for an unmissable summer of sport. Upgrade now!

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Wenger rules out any appointment of a director of football at the club in the summer

"Because we are in a strong financial position. The weight of a Champions League place is less big than it was in previous years. Still for us it's important because we want to play at the top level. Negotiations-wise (for players) it will not have a huge impact."

Also See:

Laurent Koscielny during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2016 in London, England.
Image: Laurent Koscielny is a fitness doubt for Wednesday night

Wenger confirmed that Danny Welbeck is fit to play in the re-arranged game at St Mary's but there is a doubt over Laurent Koscielny.

"We have a check up today (Tuesday)," Wenger said. "Laurent Koscielny might not be available, he has a test today. Granit Xhaka is similar, but he looks to have recovered well. We will see."

Around Sky