Mertesacker ‘definite’ about Sanchez staying at Arsenal, Ozil urges star to stay

Arsenal duo Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil would hope that Alexis Sanchez stays with the English premier League club next season.

Sanchez, who helped his country Chile to second place at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, has not extended his contract with the Gunners which expires next season.

The 28-year old has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League rivals, Manchester City, in the past weeks, but nothing has been said officially by either clubs.

But while Ozil has urged the Chilean superstar to stay, Mertesacker believes Sanchez is “definitely” staying through next season.

“I hope Alexis stays but I don’t know what the status is to be perfectly honest,” Ozil told Sky Sports.

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“But I value him a lot as a player and he’s very well-suited to the game Arsenal play.

“From a personal view I would really appreciate it if he stays. However, it’s the player’s decision after all and there’s not much more I can comment on that.”

Speaking also to Sky Sports in Australia, Arsenal captain, Mertesacker, who is retiring next season to take charge of Arsenal’s U-18 academy, said, “Yes, definitely (about Sanchez staying).

“He’s (Sanchez) now on holiday so it’s quiet in terms of conversations. But he’s a warrior on the pitch.

“I think he wants to come back as quickly as possible — he hates holidays, he hates to calm down. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him in my last season and he thinks the same.”

The Gunners are preparing for the start of their pre-season tour in Australia, and are set to face Sydney FC on Thursday in their first match of the tour.

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