No coach likes to sell his playmakers no matter what, and some star players do go over the moon in their wage demand. And when their contributions are put into considerations at times their club may be forced to dance to their tune.
Arsenal duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have been embroiled in contract tussle with Arsenal since the summer. The club hierarchy are yet to give in to their wage demand with just 18 months left on their respective current contracts. And if they are not tied to a new contract, Arsenal may lose them for free at the end of next season.
Ozil is currently the highest earner at the club at £140,000 per week while Sanchez is not far behind him, earning £130,000 per week. According to the Sun, the pair are demanding as high as Paul Pogba’s wage at Man United. The former Juventus midfielder is £290,000 per week at Old Trafford after completing his world record move this summer.
And with clubs like Man City and Juventus monitoring the situation closely, Arsenal may have no option than to succumb to their demands.
Both Ozil and Sanchez have been in incredible forms for Arsenal this season. They have been influential in Arsene Wenger squad, carrying the team on their shoulder most times.
Since being converted to a striker, Sanchez has been in impressive form, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists and is the Premier League joint top scorer with Chelsea’s Diego Costa. Ozil has been prolific and has scored 8 times in the league and Champions League and also has 2 assists. Both players are the leading creator of chances in Wenger’s team.
Considering their performances this season, it is not an overstatement to say that they have been key contributors to Arsenal success so far. But that does not mean the club should succumb to their high wage demand.
Their point of reference, Pogba has not lived up to his price tag. The French midfielder and his representatives clearly took advantage of United and Mourinho’s anxiety to make marquee signing.
Arsenal already have a wage structure and rarely entertain outrageous demand. Ozil and Sanchez definitely deserve a pay rise but not as high as over 100% increase that they are glamouring for.
At the same time, their contract issue should be dealt with quickly so as to avoid distractions that could cost them the title.