Joey Barton says Alexis Sanchez is a must keep for Arsenal ahead of Mesut Ozil.
Joey Barton has told BBC Radio 5 Live that he believes Alexis Sanchez is a far more important player to Arsenal than Mesut Ozil.
Speaking on 5 Live’s Wednesday Night Club, Barton was quizzed over which of Ozil and Sanchez he would keep if he was in charge at Arsenal and pushed into making a choice.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez and Ozil are Arsenal’s two star players but questions have arisen over each of their long term futures at the club due to the high wages they are both demanding, with the club yet to tie them to new contract extensions.
Commenting on 5 Live when asked who he would rather keep, Barton said: “Sanchez. He’s like Suarez. He’s nightmare for defenders. He’s in perpetual motion.
“The only issue I’d have is amount of travelling he does and him being so hell bent on playing for Chile.
“I’d have Sanchez every day of the week. Ozil would take a sideways step [away] while Sanchez would definitely step up. Sanchez can play in multiple positions, but I don’t think arsenal will relinquish either without a fight, I can’t see it.”
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil celebrates scoring
Alexis Sanchez scored a stunning hat-trick against West Ham at the weekend to lead the Gunners to a 5-1 win.
The star duo were warned by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger not to let money decide their futures, and to lower their wage demands, The Mirror reported earlier this week.
Both players are bidding to lead the Gunners to a league title this season, currently sitting in second place just three points back from leaders Chelsea.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates with the match ball after the game
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