Arsenal are in talks with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for the extension of their contracts as they enter the final 18 months of their existing deal. However, the negotiations have hit a dead end because of the wages the two stars are demanding in their new deal, which the Gunners are reluctant to match.
This has resulted in rumours linking both the players away from the Emirates. There even has been speculation that the North Londoners could only manage to hold on to one of their two most influential players.
So, who is more important to the Gunners? If push comes to shove, who should they keep hold of? We analyse the cases for both the players and leave it open for you to decide. You can have your say at the bottom of the page.
Alexis Sanchez’s enterprise
Ever since he moved from Barcelona in 2014, Sanchez has been one of the most prominent figures at the Emirates. And he has managed to take his importance up a level this season becoming Arsenal’s no.1 striker. After having played two seasons on either flank, the Chilean has looked completely at home through the centre and has made the centre-forward spot his own.
Sanchez has been scoring at free will for the Gunners and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League alongside Chelsea’s Diego Costa with 12 goals. The Chilean has scored 56 times for Arsene Wenger’s side since he moved in 116 appearances across all competitions. But this season, it looks like he is on his way to achieve the best returns in terms of goals per season throughout his entire career.
But that is not all that he brings to the table. With his exceptionally smart movement along with his link-up play with his fellow attackers and his eye for a pass to pick a teammate’s run has been a key factor for the Gunners looking so fluid and threatening in attack. And with his physical presence he can also win headers and can hold up the ball for his team. The Chilean is Arsenal’s top provider this season with 5 assists and 42 chances created.
Another standout feature in his game is his work-rate. He is always the first man in the team to press the opponents or chase a loose ball. The former Barcelona man has never shied away from his defensive duties and his incredible energy and stamina is hard to match. He also is a big vocal presence on the pitch for Wenger and his class and his winning mentality is something that Arsenal will sorely miss if they lose him.
Mesut Ozil’s lazy elegance
Having joined a season before Sanchez from Real Madrid, Ozil did not take long to establish himself as a key figure in Wenger’s squad. The 28-year old is much different to Alexis. He does not exert the same amount of energy nor does he exhibit a similar work-rate to that of the Chilean, which has in past been a reason for which Ozil has drawn criticism when the results haven’t gone Arsenal’s way.
But there never has been some question marks raised over the talents and abilities that the German possesses in abundance. Wenger summed it up very well last year when he said, “If you love to watch football, (then) you love Ozil.”
Nobody could have put it better. Ozil is unparalleled when it comes to his amazing ball control and his passing abilities. He is the player that brings it all together for Arsenal in attack. His contributions may not always be the ones that stand out, but his presence is always there in everything positive that the Gunners conjure in the attacking third. His silky touch and elegance in possession is something that everyone holds in a high regard.
Last season Ozil equalled a Premier League record with 19 assists for the season and this term he has added goals in big numbers to his game as well, something that was lacking before. Already having scored 9 times this season, the former Madrid playmaker has had his best campaign for the Gunners in terms of goals.
His ability to get his teammates into the game and pick out their runs with a sense of nonchalance is something that not everybody can do. At 28, he is hitting the peak of his career and can become, if not already, one of the best playmakers in the world.
Sanchez or Ozil?
Both the players have contributed in a huge way to the team and are highly invaluable and absolutely indispensable to the club. However, if one looks at the fact that Arsenal have lacked a genuine goalscorer over the years and how well Alexis has slotted in as a forward, one might think the scales might be tilted on his side.
Have your say.