Pires explains that Arsenal are struggling due to the absence of Cazorla

Arsenal have once again flattered to deceive during the current Premier League campaign and the best the Gunners can now hope for is a mere place in the top four once again.

It did look like Arsenal could potentially challenge for the title following a strong start to the season and club legend Robert Pires has explained that the North London side's struggles have been down to the absence of injured star midfielder Santi Cazorla.

Pires told Sky Sports News, "When you see the names on the paper they are great players like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The most important [thing] is missing Santi Cazorla. He is one of the best players at Arsenal. He's been injured for four months now and this is a real problem for Arsenal."

Ballack believes Ozil's future depends on Wenger

Mesut Ozil's future at Arsenal beyond the end of the current campaign remains in doubt at the moment and the German international remained coy about where he will be playing next season in an interview with the media recently.

Former Chelsea star Michael Ballack does not think that many clubs would be able to afford Ozil if he were to leave Arsenal and revealed that his former international teammate's future will depend on whether or not Arsene Wenger stays put at the Emirates Stadium next season.

"It is difficult to say really (if he should stay at Arsenal)," the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports.

"A player like him, who has played for Real Madrid and now Arsenal and who knows the Premier League and La Liga, he has his own feeling and experience.

"And there are not many clubs where he can go now and who can afford him. I think he needs to feel comfortable with the decision that he makes. But it also depends on what Arsene Wenger does and they have a good relationship and maybe that is why he is waiting a bit."

Ancelotti wants Sanchez at Bayern

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez has shown repeated signs of frustration over the past few weeks and many believe that the Chilean superstar could end up leaving the Gunners at the end of the season, especially given the fact that he is set to enter the final year of his deal at the Emirates.

A number of clubs would surely jump at the opportunity to secure the services of Sanchez if he were to become available and now according to reports from Spanish outlet Sport, claims have been made that Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign the 28-year-old next summer.