A report in the Evening Standard on Monday suggests that Arsenal face a battle to hold on to their biggest players, with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil looking for a payday that equals earners at other Premier League clubs.

Aren't they on huge money already?

The Standard reckons that Sanchez is earning £130k per week with Ozil on a massive £140k. While, obviously, this is huge money, in comparison to recent contracts like Paul Pogba's at Man United, which touches £290k, it's money that perhaps doesn't reflect the going rate for a star Premier League player.

Last week we discussed reports that Ozil was looking for a return to Real Madrid, who are more than likely capable of matching any wage demands the classy playmaker has.

With the Evening Standard now saying that Arsenal are only willing to offer up to £200k per week for both players, the north London club face a battle to keep their key players at the Emirates.

Are they worth it?

Alexis Sanchez has scored or assisted 19 goals this season. That's a massive total considering we're only in early December.

With Ozil not far behind on 12, it's hard to argue against them being Arsenal's most effective players.

It's the kind of form that wins titles and with the Gunners just three points behind leaders Chelsea, they are again in the mix to pick up the league trophy.

Just this weekend both starred in an Arsenal performance. Sanchez scored a sensational hat-trick away to West Ham, also assisting another in a barnstorming performance worth all the money in the world. Mesut Ozil got on the scoresheet too, while also chipping in with an assist.

The pressure will only grow on Arsenal to reward both players for such performances, but it remains to be seen whether they're willing to break the wage structure in place to ensure their talent remains at the Emirates.

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