Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil Rumours

Arsenal are reportedly "confident" and "optimistic" star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will sign new contracts, despite suggestions the marquee pair could move on this summer.

According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, embattled Gunners chief Arsene Wenger believes he can keep his classy attackers in the fold:

"

There has been interest from Juventus in forward Alexis Sanchez, but Arsenal are confident he will stay and sign a new contract despite a disappointing second season in England.

Arsenal are also optimistic playmaker Mesut Ozil will sign a new deal, with further contract talks planned for next month.

"

As Cross described, keeping Ozil and Sanchez around will dovetail with a proposed squad overhaul and major spending spree in this summer's transfer window. Cross has identified players such as Southampton midfield destroyer Victor Wanyama and Real Madrid playmaker Toni Kroos as possible targets in Wenger's proposed big-money makeover.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

But keeping the talents of Ozil and Sanchez as the focal point of his team's forward line is as important as any new faces Wenger may add this summer.

The former's creativity, perceptive movement and artful passing are essential qualities for the brand of football Wenger adores. Arsenal's title challenge may have stalled, with the third-placed Gunners 11 points off the pace in the Premier League, but Ozil's performances this season have remained a bright spot. The 27-year-old has helped himself to five goals and 18 assists in league action, per WhoScored.com.

Things haven't gone quite as well for Sanchez, as injuries and fatigue have taken their toll on last season's attacking talisman. He's found the net just 11 times in all competitions, according to ESPN FC.

But despite his struggles, Sanchez has shown some improvement lately. He provided an assist for Mohamed Elneny and Danny Welbeck in Arsenal's last two games against Barcelona and Everton.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Against the Toffees, it was the Chilean's enigmatic movement that stood out. He was here, there and everywhere, forcing Everton defenders to chase shadows.

The Gunners need key players like Sanchez and Ozil to inspire a winning mentality and decide games.

But reports have suggested Ozil wants to quit north London at the end of the season. Back in mid-February, Spanish publication Marca (h/t Goal.com's Chris Davie) reported Ozil had even rejected Arsenal's offer of a new contract due to his belief the club can't win the UEFA Champions League.

Yet, the player himself recently took to Twitter to renounce current exit rumours, instead insisting he wants to stay and work with Wenger, per the Daily Mirror.

But exit rumours haven't been limited to Ozil. Sanchez has been linked with Serie A giants Juventus, according to the Mirror's Steve Stammers. The reporter also identified La Liga's Atletico Madrid as a keen party.

If Wenger and Arsenal can prove their confidence about keeping Ozil and Sanchez it would be an awesome lift for the club's supporters this summer. Equally, it would also provide a boost for the club's beleaguered manager, proof that his reputation remains strong enough to convince some of the game's best players he can still deliver major trophies.