LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal scores his team's sixth goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Arsenal FC and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad at the Emirates Stadium on October 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher has some strong words about the contract negotiations for Arsenal stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, whose deals with the Gunners are both up in 2018.
Chilean striker Sanchez and German midfielder Ozil gave a poor showing in Monday’s 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace, a defeat that weakened Arsenal’s chances at finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season.
There remains much uncertainty as to the future of both players after next year, and this seems to be affecting their performances. Arsenal have now lost seven of their last 12 games.
Carragher, a former Liverpool defender who is now a pundit for Sky Sports, lambasted Sanchez and Ozil for their lackluster playing on Monday, saying he feels their poor performances are a clear sign that they wish to leave Arsenal as soon as possible.
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“The contracts with Sanchez and Ozil – they’ve been nothing short of embarrassing since the contract talks started,” said Carragher. “I think Sanchez has been awful the last couple of months. It’s looking like they’re playing to get away. Their performances since the talks started have been embarrassing.
“They’ve been nowhere near good enough for Arsenal.”
Several different Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly interested in Sanchez, along with La Liga teams Barcelona and Real Madrid.
However, no deal has yet been officially made.
Chelsea have reportedly made Sanchez, 28, their main summer transfer target, and the Chilean has said he is interested in staying in London. Nevertheless, Sanchez has also said he would like to work again under Man City manager Pep Guardiola, who was his coach at Barcelona several years ago.
United is also reportedly interested in Ozil, Reds manager Jose Mourinho said.
Arsenal are seven points away from fourth place in the Premier League with just one game left.
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal scores his team’s sixth goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Arsenal FC and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad at the Emirates Stadium on October 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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