Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the North London club may have to make a “financial sacrifice” with German Mesut Ozil and Chilean Alexis Sanchez next summer.
Both stars are into the last 12 months of their current Arsenal contract and are yet to renew their deal at the club.
Wenger’s handling of the situation has been heavily criticised by supporters and pundits alike, with the duo being able to leave for nothing next summer if they don’t renew their contract.
The Gunners had the opportunity to sell Sanchez during the just concluded transfer window but turned down Manchester City’s bid that could have seen them earn around £60m.
And while Arsenal manager didn’t want to talk about the events of the Chilean’s situation, he is aware Arsenal could lose Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on a free at the end of this current campaign.
Arsene Wenger said: ”I (Wenger) cannot tell you all that played out because after you (a coach) decide to let a player of that caliber leave, you have to replace him because nobody would understand (reason) that you let him leave.
“When you (coach) cannot do it (replace), you keep the player, and you make a financial sacrifice because at the end of the day what you want is to have a team (squad) with real potential and top quality.
“So Alexis (Sanchez) will go, like Mesut (Ozil), in the last year of his contract (deal), or you think that during the League season you find a way to extend (renew) the contract (deal), or at the end of the (League season the players go for free (Bosman rule).”
The pair are currently on international duty but are expected to return for Arsenal’s match against AFC Bournemouth next Saturday.
