Why Mesut Ozil Is the 1 Player Arsenal Can't Afford to Lose This Summer

There could well be a clear-out at Arsenal this summer. A number of experienced players are out of contract, while certain other underachievers could also face the chop.

However, whatever renovations manager Arsene Wenger undertakes in his squad-building, he must make absolutely certain he keeps hold of Mesut Ozil.

That might not be easy. Ozil has looked frustrated in recent weeks, losing patience with team-mates who fail to match his technical brilliance.

He has two years left on his current contract, and there is no sign of an imminent extension.

Speaking to German news agency Sport-Informations-Dienst (h/t Evening Standard), Ozil said:

"

There’s no hurry. I have two years left on my contract. We’ll see how it goes at the end of the season. I’m not saying that I definitely must return to the Bundesliga or spend time in Turkey. But I’m not ruling it out either.

"

Ozil may not be in a rush, but Arsenal should be. Stories such as the one in AS (h/t Goal.com) suggesting the German is a target for Barcelona will not have gone unnoticed in north London.

After a disappointing season at the Emirates Stadium, the 27-year-old could be forgiven for courting interest from continental giants.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Wenger insists he believes Ozil will renew his deal in north London. Asked about the future of both his record signing and Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners boss said, per James Benge of the Evening Standard:

"

I am confident. Yes, they have a two-year contract left and there's been nothing done yet.

They look happy, when I talk to them they are happy and they want to extend their contracts so I don't think it is a problem.

"

It had better not be. Losing either man at this stage would rock the club’s very foundations. Retaining Ozil feels particularly important—the entire team is constructed around him.

In the first half the season, his performances were mesmeric. He raced to 18 Premier League assists and appeared well on course to shatter Thierry Henry’s record of 20. The fact that his output has slowed since is more associated with a decline in Arsenal’s finishing ability than a dip in Ozil’s own displays.

He also holds a symbolic value to the club. When he signed for Arsenal in 2013, his arrival signalled a new era. His acquisition denoted the start of a period in which the Gunners could finally compete for the biggest names in world football, and the subsequent additions of Alexis and Petr Cech confirmed that.

Arsenal fans may be feeling deflated at the back end of a trophyless campaign, but it should not be forgotten that Ozil’s arrival coincided with two FA Cup triumphs in two seasons—their first silverware for nine years.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

If Arsenal want to keep Ozil, they have to build a team befitting of his extraordinary talents.

This summer, Wenger must add more elite players to complement him—starting with a striker capable of converting the countless chances he creates.

A man who grew used to playing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema must be tiring of the wastefulness of Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott. It’s time for Wenger to buy the poacher qualified to profit from Ozil’s perspicacious passing.

Such an addition would allow the Gunners to take a significant stride forward. It's the only sensible way to proceed—letting Ozil go at this point would be a huge step back.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.