Wenger Confirms Talks With Star Duo Over New Deals

Arsene Wenger says he is making progress in offering Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna new deals to tie the duo down at Arsenal for the long term as the side go from strength to strength on the pitch.

With transfer speculation currently rife at the Emirates the manager is keen to keep hold of his best players with the Gunners currently mounting a serious campaign to end their almost decade-long trophyless spell.

Mertesacker spoke at the end of last year about how he would like to stay on with Arsenal for his long-term future with the defender having settled in after a difficult first season at the club.

Meanwhile, Sagna's contract is running down fast with and the 31 year old is currently free to talk with other clubs about the possibility of a move, with offers in France and the Middle East.

But Wenger has confirmed that the duo are in talks with the club over new contracts and progress is being made, telling Arsenal media: "We are making good progress and hopefully we can announce something soon."

Meanwhile reports have been circulating that Schalke star Julian Draxler made an appearance at the Emirates recently as Wenger looks to tie up a deal for the German youngster.

But the manager was particularly evasive when asked if the rumours were true, simply saying: "That's like a non-identified flying object. Some see them everywhere."

Draxler is believed to be considering a move away from Schalke, who have had a disappointing first half of the season and sit in seventh place in the Bundesliga, but whether Wenger will be willing to offer the 20 year old regular game time in the lead-up to the World Cup remains to be seen.