Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes that both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have to play well this season, even if it is because they want to earn a move to another club.
Ozil and Sanchez are now well into the final 12 months of their contract and could well both depart next summer without a fee.
The German though feels that the situation with the pair's contracts should not deter them from giving 100 per cent for the team, as not only do their commitments rest with their current team at present, but performances also matter if they want to leave Arsenal and move elsewhere.
"I have no problems with players in their final year, that includes me as well", Mertesacker was quoted as saying by beIN Sports.
"The only issue I've got is if they're not fully committed to what we're doing here.
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"Even if you're in your final year you have to prove yourself every single day, in order to stay here or to get another contract somewhere else.
"A lot of people focus on being on long-term contracts, but that's not needed.
"I don't feel a dip in commitment; we're in a good front with those who have their contracts expiring.
"It's similar to me. I'm staying at the club definitely, which makes it a little bit different, but we want to be successful here and everyone is committed to that."
Both Sanchez and Ozil have been linked with moves away from the club in January, with even manager Arsene Wenger admitting that Arsenal could sell the pair in the new year.
Chile international Sanchez has been linked with a move to Manchester City while Ozil is interesting Manchester United.
