Arsenal transfer news: Wenger's update on star duo, Mkhitaryan's phone call and more - 15th January 2018

Arsene Wenger provides vital updates on Sanchez and Ozil's futures

The superstar duo are in the final six months of their Arsenal contracts and can negotiate a pre-agreement with foreign clubs starting from this month. Manchester United and Manchester City are currently locked in a two-way battle for Sanchez with the former making a late swoop for the player. United are also interested in Ozil, due to his relationship with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Now, Arsene Wenger was asked about the duo's futures in his pre-match press conference and he told reporters:

"Yes, it is. It looks like Sanchez will not extend his contract. But we want to keep Jack and if we have an opportunity maybe to keep Ozil, the rebuild will be less deep than if all the three left. There is still an opportunity for him to stay. Are talks still alive? Yeah, very much so. Am I more optimistic than in the summer? Yes."

“It’s [about] both [money and trophies], always. These guys want to win, and they want to make money as well. So, they want a combination of the two, that big clubs can give them. Incidentally he’s won trophies with us. So he wants to fight as well for the Premier League, that’s normal, when you are at that level.”

Thus, Wenger all but confirms that Sanchez will definitely leave the Emirates while there is still hope that Ozil will sign a new contract.

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Henrikh Mkhitaryan exit rumours intensify

Mkhitaryan to Arsenal?

The Armenian international is failing to hold on to a place at Old Trafford and his time could finally be up as Jose Mourinho's patience appears to run out. Now, the playmaker has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal as a makeweight in United's deal for Sanchez, as per reports.

The Red Devils are reportedly making a late attempt to sign the Chilean and Mkhitaryan could help sweeten the deal. When asked about the 28-year old's future, Armenia football chief Hayrapetyan told Public Radio of Armenia:

"I talked to Henrikh on the phone, but I don’t want to make any comments.The coach-player relations can often worsen or improve. There is no need in intervening with their working process."

"Should he fail to regain his place at Manchester United, he can play in any other world-class club. He will never remain on the bench, because he is a professional and diligent player and will always have a place in the main squad."

While Hayrapetyan insists Mkhitaryan will never be on the bench, it is where he is in Mourinho's squad. However, he can become a first-team regular at Arsenal with Sanchez's departure and it makes sense for the Gunners to sell the latter to United than City, as they get a quality player in return.

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Allardyce confirms Theo Walcott talks

Everton confirm Walcott talks

The Englishman joined Arsenal more than a decade ago and is yet to become a first-team regular under Wenger. Now, he finds himself only as a useful squad player and needs regular football to resurrect his career. Recently, Walcott's former club, Southampton, confirmed their interest to bring the forward back home.

However, the Saints have tough competition from Everton with their manager, Sam Allardyce confirming talks are going on. He was asked about Walcott in his pre-match press conference and he replied:

“If that is possible to get over the line I’d be delighted. When a player like that becomes available you say where does he fit into your plans and he gives us balance in the squad."

“He is the right age with the right experience to make an impact on Everton Football Club. At 28 he is in prime age for a player in today’s Premier League world because of all the experience and knowledge he has gained, he should be at the peak of his career."

“We have got a chance to sign him. It is fair to say we all know who we are competing with.”

Thus, it is very likely that Walcott will no longer be an Arsenal player by the end of January.