Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are set to begin contract talks with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the coming months as they look to persuade the duo to extend their current deals which expire in the summer of 2018. The German joined the Gunners during the 2013 summer transfer window from Real Madrid, while the Chilean forward joined a season later from Barcelona.

The duo have played a key role in helping the north London club end their trophy drought, which saw them win the FA Cup in 2014 and 2015, while also helping Arsenal make step forward in the Premier League. The Gunners finished the 2014/15 campaign in third place, while they finished last year one place behind champions Leicester City.

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"Ozil and Sanchez, yes we are going to start contract negotiations with them," Wenger said ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, as quoted on the Gunners' official site.

The French manager will be hopeful of convincing the duo to extend their stay at the club beyond the current duration of the contract. However, one drawback could be the uncertainty surrounding the manager's future at the club. Wenger is currently on the final of his contract with no update yet on whether this will be his last season with Arsenal.

Ozil had made it clear that Wenger was one of the main reasons he joined the club, and it is fairly certain that he will want clarity on that situation. The Germany international has indicated that he is happy in London with Arsenal and revealed that he has held talks about an extension, but stopped to concentrate on his country's European Championship campaign this summer.

Mesut Ozil ans Alexis Sanchez
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are set to begin talks with Ozil and Alexis over new deals Getty

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere, whom Wenger is keen to tie down to a new deal, has shunned talks for the moment as the midfielder wants to concentrate on performing well for on-loan club Bournemouth. The England international joined the Cherries on a season-long loan this summer and will have just one-year to go on his current contract when he returns next season.

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