Arsenal duo Sanchez and Mesut Ozil could leave club on free transfers

Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are out of contract in 18 months (Photo: David Price)

Arsene Wenger insists he would rather lose Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for nothing rather than cash in on his star players.

The Arsenal duo are entering the final 18 months of their contracts at the Emirates and have yet to agree extensions to their current deals.

Chelsea are considering a move for Sanchez, as revealed by Mirror Sport, while Ozil has refused to rule out a return to Real Madrid.

Gunners boss Wenger remains bullish of his chances of keeping the pair in north London beyond 2018.

However, the Frenchman has hinted the club would rather let their contracts run down than sell them.

He said: "You’re always asked the same things. But that doesn’t quicken negotiations, the decision process.

“I’m not the only one who can decide. In this case it’s between two parties. On my side, the best position is to negotiate.