The futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have dominated news surrounding Arsenal for some time.

Both players' contracts are set to expire next season, and both have seemed hesitant to sign new deals with their club.

However, despite the threat of losing them both on a free, Arsene Wenger has previously been reluctant to sell his prized assets.

Sanchez was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer, but his move up north fell through on the final day of the summer transfer window.

Ozil has also been linked with numerous clubs, including Manchester United, but Wenger has claimed he would still like to keep him at the club.

WENGER IS HOPEFUL OZIL WILL SIGN A NEW CONTRACT

Whereas it is becoming increasingly likely that Sanchez will move at some point in the next seven months, Wenger remains optimistic that Ozil will sign a new contract.

Speaking last month, when asked whether he is confident that Ozil will commit his future to the club, the Frenchman said: "Yes, of course (I am hopeful).

"The contract talks have slowed down a little bit since August 31, because we need a little breather and to focus on the competition. But we will slowly get back into that."

OZIL'S FUTURE COULD HINGE ON JACK WILSHERE

It has been reported that Jack Wilshere could play a major part in Ozil signing a new contract.

The Sun have claimed that the German is likely to sign a new contract, but only if he is given the number 10 shirt - the number currently worn by Wilshere.

WHY OZIL WANTS THE NUMBER 10 SHIRT

Ozil currently wears the number 11 shirt, but it has been reported that he wants to occupy number 10 for commercial reasons.

The German has a history of having the number 10 on his back, having worn it at Real Madrid.

After Lukas Podolski's retirement from international football, the 29-year-old has also occupied the number for his country.

And Ozil's Instagram handle is even m10_official.

Ozil has recently brought a house in London, and although he is also demanding a pay-rise from the club, it is believed that he will be swayed to sign a new contract if his request to wear the number 10 shirt is accepted by Wilshere.