Alexis and Ozil playing for Arsenal exits? Petit questions upturn in form

An upturn in form for Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil at Arsenal may be down to the approaching transfer window, says Emmanuel Petit.

Much of the attention at Emirates Stadium this season has focused on the contract rebels, as they continue to run down their respective deals.

Neither have committed to fresh terms, leading both to be heavily linked with moves elsewhere – with Manchester rivals City and United reported to be heading the list of suitors.

Petit believes Sanchez and Ozil will have one eye on January, with recent improvements from both men helping to put them in the shop window ahead of the next opportunity to secure a switch.

The former Gunners midfielder told Paddy Power: “Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are coming back to the way they should be playing for Arsene Wenger.

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“It’s great news for Arsenal that they’ve returned to form, but is that just because the transfer window is around the corner?

“Who knows if they still want to leave? I really hope they remain at the club but, if they do, they need to show the same commitment to help Arsenal to a Champions League spot.”

Petit feels Arsenal are capable of challenging for a top-four finish, with there plenty of positives to take from their last Premier League outing against Manchester United despite suffering a 3-1 defeat.

The World Cup winner added: “The Gunners showed huge passion on Saturday and they need to hold onto that mentality moving forward. The way they played with desire and offensive flair reminded me of how we used to play.

“In the second half, I saw a great Arsenal team on the pitch – they showed fantastic character and personality.

"Arsenal will definitely make the top four if they keep that level of performance up.

“They are probably out of the title picture, but anything can happen – in 1998, we were 12 points behind in February and pulled that back.

“If City lose at United and then Spurs, it could be wide open again.”

Arsenal sit fifth in the table at present, one point behind Liverpool and 15 adrift of unbeaten leaders Manchester City.