Sánchez, right, and Özil want a significant increase in their wages

Arsenal’s protracted contract negotiations with Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez could cost the club £36 million more than they had originally budgeted for, The Times has learnt.

Talks are due to reopen after the international break this month, with both players understood to be asking for £250,000 a week — £70,000 a week more than the figure discussed during preliminary negotiations 12 months ago.

Arsenal were unable to make much progress in re-signing their stars last season, with both Özil and Sánchez opting to put the matter on hold to concentrate on their football after Christmas. With the club otherwise engaged during the summer transfer window, it is a failure that is looking increasingly costly.

Sánchez has started this season in sparkling form PAUL GILHAM/GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal’s opening offer to Özil and Sánchez 12 months ago