Arsenal have a battle on their hands to keep their star-men heading into the final weeks of the transfer window as a number of their stars continue to attract interest of rival clubs, many of whom are in the Premier League.

Arsene Wenger has made it abundantly clear that Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will not be going anywhere this summer despite the fact they’ve entered the final 12 months of their contracts, which means the Gunners risk losing the trio on a free transfer next year.

Arsenal will hope that all of the aforementioned players will extend their deals in North London during the course of the season but he’s revealed that no progress has been made on Alexis’ future, with a new contract for the two-time Copa America winner still looking unlikely.

Quoted by Sky Sports, the long-serving French boss said:

“He is a player who goes into the final year of his contract. We have not progressed on that front.”

“Let’s not be wrong, it’s not an ideal situation on the financial side and it demands some sacrifice. But first of all, it doesn’t mean the players who are in the final year of their contract will not extend their contract. You have still that possibility and we work on that as well.”

“That (possibly allowing Sanchez to leave for free) is a consequence of what I say, yes, unfortunately.”

“But we have to make a choice between efficiency on the field and financial interest and most of the time if you can find a good compromise, it’s better. But in this case, I think I prioritise the fact that he will be useful on the sporting side.”

Arsenal will have to prove their ability on the field and their ambition behind the scenes to persuade Alexis to extend his deal in North London, as the Chilean sensation has made it clear he wants to win the Champions League.

The Gunners are of course not playing in that competition this season for the first time under Wenger’s leadership but many feel the Europa League presents Arsenal with a strong chance of success, following Manchester United’s victory in the competition last season.