Former Arsenal ace Gilberto Silva has claimed it is “very important” that the club holds onto Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil this summer.
The 40-year-old’s comment following the lengthy contract sagas involving the Gunners’ two star men.
Sanchez’s contract negotiations have been going on for months and the latest development, as reported by the Sun, is that Arsenal are prepared to offer him £330,000-a-week in an attempt to ward off interest from Bayern Munich.
However Ozil’s situation is slightly more positive for Arsene Wenger, as he now appears to have backed down from his dispute and is set so sign a new deal, according to Metro.
Gilberto believes it is crucial that both players stay at the Emirates.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, as quoted by the channel’s official Twitter account, he said: “If the player decides to leave the club, okay it’s the player’s choice, as has happened in the past. Of course for [Wenger] he will be very disappointed because he will not have those top players.
“It’s disappointing for him, for Arsenal fans, and for everyone that wants to see Arsenal perform well. I am sure keeping those players [Sanchez and Ozil] for next season will be very important.”
"I'm sure keeping those players for next season will be very important."
Keeping Ozil and Sanchez is pivotal for #AFC says Gilberto. pic.twitter.com/6dhxJj4dHi
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) May 26, 2017
The north London club finished fifth in the 2016/17 Premier League, meaning they will miss out on Champions League football next term.
However they do have a chance at silverware on Saturday afternoon, as they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
If the Gunners can beat champions Chelsea they will secure their third FA Cup win in four seasons.
Gilberto made more than 240 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners during his six-season spell at the club, and was part of the invincibles team of 2003/04.
He was also capped by Brazil on 94 occasions and was part of the 2002 World Cup winning squad.