Why Losing Alexis Sanchez Could Hurt Arsenal More Than Mesut Ozil

When Alan Shearer told the BBC's Match of the Day (h/t Metro's Michael Cantillon) that Sergio Aguero is the only "world-class" player in the Premier League, Arsenal fans begged to differ.

To their mind, they have two: Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. However, that may not be the case for long. Both players have contracts that expire in 2018, and the Gunners are hurriedly trying to negotiate extensions. The loss of either player would be a huge blow—but, surprisingly, it might be Alexis whose absence would have greater consequences.

That's a problem because, at the moment, he looks the likelier to leave. The indications are that a new deal for Ozil could be imminent. Jack de Menezes of The Independent said Arsenal have "reached a breakthrough in their negotiations with Mesut Ozil" and that the German is set to sign a new deal that will see his salary rocket to £200,000 per week. 

However, talks with Alexis do not seem to be going quite so smoothly. Steve Stammers of the Mirror said other clubs are beginning to circle as Alexis approaches the end of his deal: 

Alexis Sanchez will spark a £50 million battle between Manchester City and Juventus if he fails to agree a new deal at Arsenal.

The Chile international has been in superb form for the Gunners this season and wants a substantial rise on his current £130,000-a week-deal.

Sanchez, 27, will have one year left on his contract at the end of this season and Arsenal want him for anther three years.

Talks have been on-going since August and they know the next deal he signs will the most lucrative of his career and wants that reflected in his salary.

The fact that no contract has yet been signed has alerted Juventus and City. 

Clubs like Juventus and City will know that if Alexis cannot agree a new deal, Arsenal will effectively be forced to sell. It's unthinkable to let a player of his enormous value run down his contract and leave on a free transfer. If Alexis is not going to sign, we could be watching his last season in north London.

Infuriatingly, it looks on course to be his best. The early signs are promising—he has recorded eight goals and five assists in 15 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions in 2016/17. Ozil isn't doing too badly either: The German has seven goals and three assists. So why is it that Alexis' departure might be the more harmful?

After all, Ozil has made himself somewhat integral to the way Arsenal play. The team has effectively been built in his image—Arsene Wenger has constructed his midfield around Ozil's creative stylings.

However, as astonishingly good as Ozil is, Arsenal have other midfielders who can pick a pass. Santi Cazorla could be deployed higher up the field, Jack Wilshere could be recalled from loan or Aaron Ramsey could finally be given a chance in the attacking-midfield role he craves. Even Alex Iwobi is showing signs that he could one day become the side's primary playmaker.

None of those players could be described as being Ozil's equal, but they could at least passably imitate his contribution to the side. 

Alexis feels like a more difficult player to replace. After all, Arsenal spent several years hunting for a world-class striker before ultimately deciding that the most expedient option was to convert the Chilean into a centre-forward. That switch has panned out brilliantly and unlocked a new style of attacking play for Wenger's Arsenal.

There's no one like Alexis in the current squad. Lucas Perez is the most analogous player, but he can't match the Chilean's explosive threat. Witness the panic that struck the Arsenal fans when it was feared Alexis might have picked up a thigh injury during the international break. Right now, he's unique in the Arsenal setup. 

As it happened, he was fit to play for his country against Uruguay, and he scored two brilliant goals in a thrilling 3-1 victory. It was exactly the sort of match-winning display Arsenal fans have grown accustomed to watching.

Speaking after the game, his coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said: "Individuals speak for themselves. Alexis is among the best players in the world."

It's lofty praise, but when it comes to Arsenal fans, Pizzi is preaching to the converted. Alexis has been the difference this season.

When you look at the composition of the Arsenal side as compared to last year, not much has changed. Shkodran Mustafi has come in at the back and looks to be an upgrade on Per Mertesacker, but the shape of the side remains very similar to the one that stumbled to second place in 2015/16.

The main change has been the redeployment of Alexis as a striker—Wenger has handed him centre stage, and he has stepped up in style. 

Arsenal spent years persisting with Olivier Giroud as their spearhead before Alexis was granted the freedom of a central role. The prospect of returning to playing with a traditional target man is a horrifying one for Arsenal supporters, who are finally witnessing the kind of attractive football for which Wenger was once renowned. 

The Arsenal manager seems to find it easy enough to recruit silky playmakers. Ozil is the latest in a long line that includes the likes of Robert Pires, Cesc Fabregas, Aleksandr Hleb and Tomas Rosicky. However, the travails of the last few years have illustrated that finding a world-class striker is altogether tougher.

Every team in the world wants an elite goalscorer—Arsenal have one in Alexis, and there's no guarantee that they'd be able to adequately replace him.  

What Alexis contributes goes well beyond his technical skill. Previous Arsenal teams have been accused of lacking character, but that charge could never be levelled at Alexis. His hunger and willingness to work for the team is infectious.

Speaking in December 2014, team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain told BT Sport (h/t Simon Peach of the Press Association, via the Daily Mail): 

In training, he wants to win. He has brought that winning mentality to the side and I think it definitely rubs off on a lot of players.

It has been an eye-opener for me. To make it to the top and to be able perform like he does week in, week out you have got to be an absolute winner and you never want to lose at all.

It's not just his ability—it's his attitude. He's an inspiration and example to younger players, and he sets the tempo with his relentless running. 

Ozil is more artful and more elegant, but he could never match Alexis for sheer desire. Alexis is a born leader who seems to thrive in the same spotlight where Ozil occasionally wilts.

This season and beyond, Alexis is the one player Arsenal simply can't afford to do without. 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout 2016/17. Follow him on Twitter here.