'Alexis and Ozil won't match Pogba's wages' - Ex-Arsenal midfielder tells duo to lower demands

Former Arsenal midfielder Perry Groves has told Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to lower their wage demands.

The attacking duo - whose contracts expire in 2018 - are said to be asking for £250,000 a week each to stay at the Emirates.

But Groves believes that the pair should be realistic about their demands, telling them to forget about earning as much as Manchester United stars.

“Have Arsenal got the money to spend? Yes they have. Will they get the £250,000 a week they are looking for? I don’t think they will get that,” Groves told The Sun.

“They won't get the money Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pogba are on. 

“That's not going to happen as the club have a different wage structure [to Manchester United].

“But if they were realistic about their demands then I don't see any reason why they shouldn't sign new contracts.”
The pair's long term futures remain in the balance as contact negotiations continue to stall, though Arsenal are confident of eventually tying down the stars to fresh terms.

For now, though, Groves believes Alexis and Ozil should concentrate on their performances on the pitch.

He added: "Sanchez is enjoying his football and playing well.

“Ozil was a slow burner but now they are the two big players.”