Arsenal should have sold Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, says Everton star Wayne Rooney

Everton talisman Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal should have sold Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil while they had the chance and expects the wantaway pair to leave north London at the end of the season.

The situation surrounding Sanchez and Ozil in the summer has been well documented in recent months, but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has insisted on numerous occasions that the duo won't be sold on the cheap during the January transfer window amid continued interest in the Chile international from Manchester City.

Wenger seems at peace with the situation involving his two prized assets and believes Ozil has designs on remaining an Arsenal player despite reported interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United, but Rooney, who is enjoying an Indian summer at his boyhood club Everton after returning from United in the summer, would be surprised to see the German and Sanchez under Wenger's guidance next season.

"With the two of them not signing contracts in the summer, I think that told you everything," Rooney told talkSPORT, relayed by The Evening Standard. "The way it is, I don't think they will be at Arsenal [next season].

"I feel they should have taken the money and looked elsewhere because, although they are top players and it is difficult to let those players leave the football club, when the going gets tough – as it is at the minute for Arsenal – you want players who want to be there and you can put your trust in.

"If they are not going to be there at the end of the season, maybe there are a few question marks."

Rooney, who will hope to continue his encouraging form when Everton face Swansea City on Monday night (18 December), shares the view of many over Sanchez and Ozil, but Wenger revealed after Arsenal's win against Newcastle United on Saturday [16 December] that he is "confident" of tying down the latter, who scored a spellbinding volley to condemn Rafa Benitez's side to their eighth defeat in nine matches, to fresh terms.

"I'm confident, yes, but what does that mean? I don't know," Wenger said.