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Why Arsenal must tie Ozil and Sanchez down to contract extensions this summer

By mac14 on May 13, 2016

All in all, it’s been a disappointing season for Arsenal. After winning back-to-back FA Cups, most supporters expected the club to push on and win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.

Unfortunately, injuries hindered their chances throughout the season and now the Gunners must begin to prepare for the 2016-17 campaign. While buying a world-class striker must be high on Arsene Wenger’s list of priorities, tying both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to new deals is equally as important. Without both players at the Emirates Stadium next season, Arsenal will struggle to compete yet again.

Ozil is one of the best players in the Premier League and Arsenal fans would be devastated if he left the club. There are no immediate signs to suggest that the Germany international is unhappy at Arsenal but his stock may rise and Europe’s elite clubs could bid for the 27-year-old if he performs well at the Euros this summer.

The former Real Madrid star has been brilliant for Arsenal this season, scoring eight goals whilst assisting 18. In fact, Ozil has created more chances in a single season (137) than any other player in Premier League history and 32Red.com are pricing the German playmaker at 13/2 as of mid-May to have the highest amount of assists during Euro 2016.

On his day, Ozil is capable of unlocking any defence in world football and Joachim Low will expect big things from his creative midfielder this summer. Ozil’s passing ability is unrivalled in the European game and many believe that his vision and intelligence are two traits that separate him from other creative midfielders.

Arsenal simply cannot afford to lose Ozil this summer – especially if they plan on bolstering their squad for another stab at the Premier League title next season. If nothing else, they will rely on Ozil’s creativity and ability to disect opposing defences in tight contests.

Meanwhile, Sanchez is also integral to Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title next season. The Chile international has been a breath of fresh air since arriving at the Emirates Stadium back in 2014 and the Gunners always look dangerous with Sanchez on the field. He has had his fair share of injury problems in the last few years but he remains a key component of Arsenal’s squad.

When he’s fit, he is one of the first names on Wenger’s team-sheet – and rightly so. According to reports, Juventus and Bayern Munich are both considering a move for Sanchez this summer and Arsenal must act quickly to secure his services for the long term.

If Arsenal lose Sanchez, the Gunners will be in big trouble. Wenger’s side are already lacking bodies in attacking areas, especially now that Danny Welbeck has been ruled out for nine months with a major knee injury. Arsenal may already be lining up a few transfer targets but this summer could be crucial to their aspirations.

The Gunners need at least one world class centre-forward and another attacking winger to cover for Sanchez and England’s injury-prone international, Theo Walcott. Only then will Arsenal have enough quality in attack to maintain a genuine title challenge for the entire campaign. And even then, it might not be enough. They simply cannot afford to let either Sanchez or Ozil walk away as the pair are far too influential.

Both players will head their separate ways this summer and hopefully return to the Emirates ahead of pre-season training. Sanchez will most likely head back to Chile while Ozil will link up with the Germany side ahead of the Euros. In fact, Low’s men are 33/10 at the time of writing with 32Red and Netbet and Ozil could return with another major international title.

But, for Arsenal fans, next season’s Premier League crown remains the ultimate prize. Wenger’s side failed to fulfil their ambitions this campaign and fans won’t stand for it any longer. With a couple of signings and both Ozil and Sanchez tied down to fresh contracts, there’s no reason why Arsenal cannot go all the way and win the league in 2017.