Arsenal round-up: Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez latest; German fit to play Manchester City; Alex Iwobi plans to silence critics

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Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez’s futures remain uncertain, but Arsene Wenger is confident that both will be staying at the club next season according to Sky Sports. Both players have a contract until 2018 and there is a fear that they could be set for a move away in the summer. Although they have had their issues this season for different reasons, they remain world class players and it would be extremely difficult to replace them. Sanchez has been linked with Chelsea, while Manchester United have been rumoured as a possible destination for Ozil. However, when asked about a quote from the Chilean forward, Wenger said:

“I have not a lot to add. I think he’s happy here. We have not extended his contract, I hope he will stay at the club. It happened before when we had to sell our best players. But that’s not the case anymore.

“He has one and half years contract. I don’t think it is an immediate concern for Arsenal.”

The Frenchman may only address Sanchez directly, but his comments about not having to sell their best players apply to Ozil too. It is difficult to trust these comments as Wenger’s own future isn’t certain. Until he has confirmed whether he will stay or go, he shouldn’t be talking about the futures of certain players at the club. This summer will be huge for Arsenal, but they can’t do anything until Wenger’s future is cleared up.

After a disappointing few months struggling with poor form and injuries, Ozil has been passed fit to take on Manchester City this weekend, according to the Mirror. If he is selected to start, it would be his first start since the middle of February. He has been suffering from a variety of injuries, but he is now ready to return to the team and help Arsenal for the rest of the campaign.

It will be a huge boost to have the German international back in the squad as he is one of the most talented players in the league, regardless of his performances this season. He will be motivated to help the Gunners qualify for the Champions League and silence those doubting him in the media. Although he is often criticised for his lack of impact in big matches, Arsenal will want him to be available for this weekend as it is a must win match. Manchester City’s defence is fallible and Ozil possesses the creativity to cause them real problems.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Alex Iwobi has stated that he wants to silence the team’s critics and show that they can beat teams at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners have struggled to compete in big matches this season and their lack of fight has been labelled as a key reason for that by the media.

“We need to change that record. That’s in the past, though – we need to prepare for the present. I believe with the players we’ve got – we’ve been working hard – that we can do it.

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“We’ve not been doing as well as we should’ve been doing. But every team goes through a rough spell and it’s ours at the moment. I’m sure we’ll bounce back.”

Iwobi often comes across very well in the media, but it is crucial that Arsenal put in a good performance this weekend. Words can only go so far and supporters will want to see them backed up on the pitch. That hasn’t been true during recent matches and that desperately needs to change as there isn’t room for error now. This weekend is one of the biggest matches in the club’s recent history and they can’t afford not to show up.

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