Arsenal manager Arsenal Wenger has ruled out any potential January sales of Mesut Ozil or Alexis Sanchez.
The Gunners have climbed inside the top four for the first-time since beating Leicester on the opening weekend of the campaign, and there is now talk of a possible title surge.
Petr Cech has refused to rule out challenging for top spot, although admits that their bid relies on a downturn in fortunes of other rivals.
Following our important win over Burnley, Arsene Wenger has now moved to rule out any key departures of key duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez come January, despite the pair being able to leave on a free transfer come the end of the term.
Wenger said: “Yes. Of course. I rule it out.
“I don’t think every day about it. As long as they are here, they have to give their all for the club.
“In my head, they are here until the end of the season. That was the decision at the start of the season.
“Unless something incredible happens, I don’t think that will change. We are not in December yet!
“For me, they stay until the end of the season. Will they stay longer? That is impossible to answer today.
“But they have a contract until the end of the season.”
Asked if they will still be in north London next season, Wenger added: “I am not the only one who decides that.”
The pair are both beginning to hit top form currently, along with a number of other players, and the January window could well prove difficult whether we were to allow the pair to leave or not.
Interest from other clubs could well turn their heads, but the Arsenal boss seems adamant to keep the duo concentrated on their football by ruling out any exits.
The pair may well be needed in our push to finish in the top four, but ultimately we would of course have one eye on a possible push for the title should the chance arise, and Wenger may well pin his hopes on the superstar duo to land our first PL trophy win in 14 years.
Does Wenger actually mean that he won’t consider any exits in January or is he simply blowing smoke in our eyes like he did in the summer? Would we still have any hope of closing on Manchester City without the pair?
Pat J