Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista reveals one of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will stay at the Premier League club
Brazilian ace says the Gunners can't afford to lose both of their star players and expects one to sign a new contract
FORMER Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has revealed he fully expects one of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will stay at the club.
Both Sanchez and Ozil are out of contract in the summer when they will be available on a free transfer, with clubs already able to negotiate pre-contracts.
But Brazilian ace Gabriel says the Gunners can't afford to lose both of their star players and expects one to sign a new contract.
Gabriel revealed: “The team would lose a lot if they [Sanchez and Ozil] left.
"I would bet at least one of them stays. Don’t ask me which one, though!"
Sanchez is widely expected to join Manchester City, either on a free in the summer - or for £35million this month amidst Pep Guardiola's striking injury crisis.
Meanwhile, Ozil is also expected to leave, with Jose Mourinho's Manchester United the suggested club.
Elsewhere, Gabriel - now at Valencia - has had his say on his uninspiring two-and-a-half years at Arsenal - saying he deserved more of a chance.
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The Brazilian said: “The injuries definitely didn’t help, but I think I deserved more opportunities at Arsenal.
“I felt down as the only way I played was if my team-mates were injured.
"I didn’t feel OK with that at all.
“I played one of my best games against Manchester City [in last season’s FA Cup semi-final] and was very happy.
"But then came the derby with Spurs and I gave away a penalty, and didn’t really play again.
"I wasn’t happy but I’m not mad. I’ll always be grateful to Arsenal.”