Per Mertesacker insists Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil are committed to Arsenal cause

Arsenal club-captain Per Mertesacker has insisted that star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are focused on their first-team duties despite approaching the final months of their respective contracts.

The pair have just eight months on their existing deals, and they are likely to leave on free transfers at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recently admitted that the attackers could be sold in the New Year, but Mertesacker has claimed that both Ozil and Sanchez are committed to the club's objectives for the campaign.

"Everyone has to do his job 100 percent otherwise they are not eligible to be on the pitch," the Germany World Cup winner is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I have no problems with players in their final year, that includes me as well. The only issue I've got is if they're not fully committed to what we're doing here.

"A lot of people focus on being on long-term contracts, but that's not needed. I don't feel a dip in commitment; we're in a good front with those who have their contracts expiring."

Sanchez missed the recent 2-1 defeat to Watford with 'fatigue' but his partner Ozil received criticism after he failed to make the most of his second-half appearance.

The Germany international had a glorious opportunity to put the Gunners 2-0 ahead in the second period, and his failure to do so, cost the club dearly with another away defeat.

Arsene Wenger is likely to offer opportunities to some of his fringe players when they make the visit to Serbia to take on Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday night.