Ian Wright: Arsenal's handling of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil contracts has been 'disgusting'
Last Updated: 20/12/17 1:29pm
Ian Wright thinks the way Arsenal have handled the contract situations of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez has been "disgusting business", and believes the latter should be sold in January as he looks "disinterested" this season.
Ozil and Sanchez have been two of Arsenal's key players over the last few seasons yet both are entering the final six months of their contracts and will be free to negotiate with European clubs from January.
While Ozil has been one of Arsenal's better performers this season, Sanchez, who came close to leaving last summer, has been below his best.
Former Arsenal striker Wright said on The Debate: "It is terrible business for Arsenal, for a club that is accused of being a business to allow two players like that to run their contracts down.
"Sanchez on top form is easily a £100m player. Ozil on top form is worth £70m to £80m. Arsenal are letting that go. It is disgusting business on the management side for Arsenal.
"How are you going to sell players like that in January for £25m? It is like people are laughing at you. Manchester City could find £25m in the car seat or something. And you're going to get Sanchez for that kind of money? For it to get to this point where they can be offered that kind of money…and why would you offer £60m when they are free in a few months?
"With the way that Sanchez is playing and having seen him be substituted in recent times, something that never used to happen, I would probably take the hit on him now because it looks like the towel has gone in and his heart isn't in it now."
Arsene Wenger said recently that he thinks Ozil is keen to stay at Arsenal and is showing some of his best form since signing for the club in 2013.
"The cynics will say he has hit form at the right time for him," said Wright. "He's running down a contract and is linked with other clubs. He's on a free. It's very lucrative for him if he can see that out.
"I think it is more lucrative for him to leave and go somewhere where he thinks he can get Champions League football and might challenge for more trophies.
"It is a cynical view to have but it is very hard to be excited about a player that you need and know there is a good chance that they are going to leave. It is very hard because the kind of form he is showing is what we wanted to see from him and now it is happening we might be losing him."
While it could be argued that Ozil is playing for a move away, Wright added: "At least he is putting in a shift to help the team win points. But Sanchez you might as well recoup whatever money you can in January because he does not look interested."
Arsenal, who beat West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, face Liverpool in the Premier League on Friday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
