Arsenal vs. Stoke City: Arsene Wenger's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has indicated he could be prepared to let Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil leave for free at the end of next season rather than sell them in the summer should the club fail to tie them down on new contracts.

Per the Mirror's Neil McLeman, Wenger said: "No matter what happens, they will stay for 18 months, and hopefully much longer."

The Evening Standard's James Olley interpreted his comments as such, while the Frenchman also insisted the pair remain dedicated to the club:

Further, Wenger dismissed speculation linking Sanchez with a move to the Chinese Super League, per ESPN FC's Mattias Karen:

According to the Mirror's John Cross, Chinese clubs could offer the Chilean a staggering £400,000 per week.

Per Ben Burrows of the same outlet, Wenger added: "You’re always asked the same things. But that doesn’t quicken negotiations, the decision process. I’m not the only one who can decide. In this case, it’s between two parties. On my side, the best position is to negotiate. [...] Negotiations are private. We don’t always need to explain."

Wenger reflected on how crucial Sanchez and Ozil are to the Gunners, per Arsenal's official Twitter feed:

The pair are the two most important players at the club, and they're vital for Arsenal to challenge for top honours each year.

One of the rising stars at the Emirates Stadium is Hector Bellerin, and Wenger confirmed he could be back in action against Stoke City on Saturday after several weeks out with an ankle injury:

Looking ahead to the match, Wenger is anticipating a hard-fought contest, per Burrows: "It’s possible [it will be an old-fashioned battle] and I mean that as a compliment. I think when you have complete commitment—what makes the English Premier League special—it was not negative at all."

He also reflected on Arsenal's form heading into the match: "I would say that our chances created is clearer and clearer. We create good quality chances because we have a good team dynamic. Away, we play with freedom. At home, we have to let the handbrake go and score more goals."

After a rocky start to the season, the Potters have lost just one of their last nine Premier League games and won five of their last seven, albeit the highest-placed of the teams they've beaten is Watford in 11th.

Stoke's physical play has often caused the Gunners problems over the years, though with the Potters moving slightly away from that identity of late, Arsenal have not lost to them in their last three meetings.

Nevertheless, to ensure no slip-ups, they'll need the likes of Ozil and Sanchez to be on form once again.