The international break is in full swing, however, back at domestic level clubs at the top of the Premier League are preparing for one of the tightest battles for European places in recent years.

With just ten games to go for most sides in the top flight things are tightening up. With that in mind all eyes at Arsenal should be focussed on the games ahead, however, with all that has gone on there are distractions around every corner for staff, players and fans alike.

Too many seem to be caught in a situation they have no control over, the saga surrounding a new deal for manager Arsene Wenger – something which looks more likely to be signed each day – without considering other elements.

Once we get past the barrage of noise around the future of the former Monaco boss, who has been in charge in north London for over two decades, there are the arguments surrounding the standing of top players in the squad.

There were outbursts from both sides of the Wenger debate this week when the manager revealed that talks over new deals for both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, who have been stalling on putting pen-to-paper all season long as they look for parity with the Premier League’s top earners, have been put on hold until the summer as the club look to focus on the end of the season.

Of course, it would be fantastic for all involved if that pair could just sign and be done with it, however, it has become clear that this is simply not the case, there is obviously a lot that needs to be worked out between the club and their star men.

Earlier in the season the stance of the club was that they were not prepared to budge on wages, a stance which has – if reports are correct – now weakened, meaning a deal would be easier to reach with the internationals.

However, it is far from that simply. Therefore, bearing all that in mind, whilst fans rage at not being able to agree a new deal and use it as a stick to beat Wenger with, does that position not seem reasonable? It takes one look at the recent run to see that the problems at The Emirates stem from more than just Sanchez and Ozil.

In truth, Wenger does not have the time to be messing about with contracts whilst, with a top four spot on the line, there are issues within the entire squad that need his attention ahead of the run in.

Taking all into account, it is clear that while disappointing for the fans, stalling these talks could well be the best decision Wenger has made all season.