Date: 26th May 2017 at 7:04pm
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Martin Keown believes both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil want to leave Arsenal, though manager Arsene Wenger holds the key to keeping hold of one of them this summer.

The Gunners legend, 50, who spoke exclusively to Shoot! from Wembley Stadium ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup final between his former club and Premier League champions Chelsea, says his former club face a crucial summer transfer window having failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years after finishing fifth in the top-flight standings on Sunday.

Forward Sanchez, 28, has scored 29 goals in all competitions this season for Wenger’s men, whilst midfielder Ozil has chipped in with 12 goals and 14 assists – but both star players could be on the move prior to the 2017-18 campaign, with both men having just one year left on their current deals at the Emirates Stadium.

“There is lots of decisions to make. Do you want to hold onto players that don’t want to be there?” said Keown, speaking on behalf of BT Sport ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Final.

Sanchez (left) and Ozil.

“They look like they want out. We’ll know soon, as soon as they join up with their international clubs, it is the first question they are asked and it is very likely that both players will want to leave.

“They are saying that Ozil wants to know what Wenger is doing. So if Wenger stays, then maybe Ozil stays.

“But they have both got a year left on their contracts. They can’t be forced to sign new deals, they can’t be forced to leave, so we could be asking all of these questions this time next year, or halfway through the season.

“But this really needs to be addressed, because it has been a big issue all season and affected the group.

“It is all about the best team, not the best individuals.”

Watch Arsenal v Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup Final live on BT Sport 2 from 4:30pm on Saturday, May 27. BT Sport is your home of unmissable football from the Emirates FA Cup and Premier League. For more info visit btsport.com.

 
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