Arsenal keen to tie down duo at Emirates

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Arsenal have reportedly promised Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil a 20 per cent pay rise if they secure a return to the Champions League.

The Gunners duo look set to go into the final 12 months of their contracts and have been heavily linked with moves away from the Emirates this summer.

Arsene Wenger is desperate to tie the pair down to new long-term deals as he looks to build a squad capable of mounting a Premier League title challenge next season.

He apparently offered Sanchez and Ozil £250,000(Sh33m)-a-week terms, but the duo rejected his proposal.

It is said they are holding out for £300,000 (Sh39.8m)-a-week deals and if Wenger wants to keep hold of them he may have to grant them their wish.

But The Daily Mail claim he is offering them the incentive of a 20 per cent pay rise if they can help his side finish in the top four and regain their place in the Champions League.

However, he may not have the chance to reward them with this pay hike as they could both leave Arsenal this summer.

Sanchez, 28, has been linked moves to rivals Manchester City and Bayern Munich with the duo keen on securing his signature. While Fenerbahce have supposedly registered their interest in the Germany international.

But Arsene Wenger admitted earlier this month that he is confident the pair will not be offloaded in this transfer window.

Asked if the pair would be sold, Wenger told beIN SPORTS: “No. This summer first of all they will stay at the club — hopefully they can extend their contracts.

“You cannot weaken the club and the team — unless you find a player of the same calibre.

“I believe at the moment we are not at that point. We are just focused on keeping the team together and see how to strengthen the team.”

He added: “When you sign a contract you commit to give your best until the last day of the contract so why would they not give their best. “The interest of any players is always to play football and even more so at the end of your contract.”