Alexis Sanchez exit would hit Arsenal hard, Mesut Ozil says
Thursday 3 August 2017 23:14, UK
Losing Alexis Sanchez this summer would cause serious damage to Arsenal's Premier League title chances, Mesut Ozil says.
Sanchez is inside the final year of his deal and remains a transfer target for Manchester City, although Arsene Wenger is confident of keeping the forward and continues to insist he will not be sold to a Premier League rival.
And Ozil, speaking at the launch of the club's new third kit in Sydney, told Sky Sports News HQ keeping the Chilean is key to Arsenal's hopes of a first league title since 2004.
"It would hit the team quite hard if he left because he's a player who always delivers," said Ozil, who is yet to commit his own future beyond next summer. "It would be a setback to winning the title, but in the end it's the player's decision.
"I hope Alexis stays but I don't know what the status is, to be honest. I value him a lot as a player and he's very well suited to the game Arsenal play.
"From a personal view I'd really appreciate if he stays, but it's the player's decision after all and there's not much more I can comment on that."
Ozil is part of Arsenal's tour squad in Australia after he was rested for Germany's Confederations Cup campaign.
The world champions beat Sanchez's Chile in the final, and Arsenal's top scorer last season is currently on holiday.
Club captain Per Mertesacker said: "I think he wants to come back quick as possible. He hates holidays and hates resting.
"I'm really looking forward to playing alongside him in my last season, and I think he thinks the same."
