The contractual talks between Ozil, Alexis and Arsenal seem to have been going on for some time now, without little to show that an agreement is near. It is understood what the two players are demanding, if reports are to be believed and as a result many fans and professionals have been able to have their say.
Former Arsenal midfielder Perry Groves is the latest to have his say on the long running contract talks and it’s fair to say that he doesn’t seem very optimistic about new deals.
It’s become a well rumoured understanding that both Alexis and Ozil are looking for extra assurances from Arsenal before they tie themselves down in a contract for a few seasons more. Alexis who is now in his third season with the Gunners, is expecting a pay rise, as well as insight about Arsenal’s plan to show more ambition in major competition. Without these factors, Alexis may not be convinced to dedicate himself to Arsenal for the long term future. Ozil is reportedly ‘happier’ so to say, with the German simply seeking a pay rise that’ll see him paid amongst the best players in the world. Both players are reportedly hoping for weekly wages of around £200,000 per week, which in the state that football currently is in, is about the right price for players of their quality, but for Arsenal’s wage structure it could be challenging.
For that kind of money, Groves is therefore unconvinced that Arsenal will tie the pair down to new deals. On the matter Groves said: “Have Arsenal got the money to spend? Yes they have. Will they get the £250,000 a week they are looking for? I don’t think they will get that.
“They won’t get the money Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pogba are on. That’s not going to happen as the club have a different wage structure [to Manchester United]. But if they were realistic about their demands then I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t sign new contracts.”
Groves talks about the two players being realistic about their demands and in my opinion, with the way that finances are in football nowadays, Alexis and Ozil have a point to ask for that kind of money. Admittedly the rumour has been going round that it’s £200k instead of the £250k Groves mentions, but I think if the likes of Pogba, Ibrahimovic and especially Rooney, are on the likes of £200k+, then why shouldn’t our very best players look towards that kind of money as well.
In my opinion, I’m confident in another contract for Mesut Ozil. I think the German is committed to the club and he has been wanting contract talks since the end of last season. Alexis Sanchez on the other hand I’m a little doubtful about and his frustrations with the club have been clear at times in the past. The thing is, if Arsenal want to keep hold of their best players and ultimately push for the big trophies available in European football, then the club first of all needs to show more ambition towards hitting their goals and secondly, the club needs to keep up with the times when it comes to finances in football. The game is heavily dominated by money these days and if Arsenal want to keep hold of Ozil and Alexis, then we need to offer them money that matches their talent.
By AH