Arsenal will have to endure some tough times this summer with as many as 12 players approaching the final year of their contracts. The players in question have four members who are an integral part of the first team squad. These include the following:
Joel Campbell:
The young attacker has seen more loan spells than most and despite publicly declaring his intention to fight for a starting spot last season and putting up valiant performances when called upon, the young Costa Rican was sent on loan again and is set to return to Arsenal at the end of the season.
My verdict: It is difficult to
Oxlade-Chamberlain:
The England forward/midfielder has openly expressed his disdain at the lack of game time. As much as it is understandable that all 25 players can’t play at the same time nor the synergy in a winning squad be altered.
However playing certain players out of position to accommodate them whilst keeping others out of positions that they should be competing for is simply discouraging.
My verdict: There’s a 50/50 chance he will stay.
Wojciech Szczesny:
He has clearly stated his conditions for staying anywhere. For him to return to Arsenal, it will require Petr Cech losing his starting berth in the side.
This season’s stats as well will not favour Cech as Szczesny has managed to keep almost 12 clean sheets ahead of the veteran.
My verdict: Considering Arsene’s penchant for loyalty, I’d reckon it will be a difficult decision that just might see the Gunners lose Szczesny. This is also a 50/50.
Yaya Sanogo:
Hmmm…This is one player on the list that actually leaves me short for words. Touted to be a force to reckon with over time, form and injuries have certainly set his Arsenal career roller coasting towards an end.
My verdict: I see him being more likely sold than his services retained. An educated guess will be his Arsenal career at an end.
Mesut Özil:
Well, this one isn’t really news. However what is news is his declaration. From aligning his contract extension to that of Wenger to unhooking it of recent and constantly describing his state of mind at the club as happy and comfortable, Mesut Özil’s future is as difficult to determine as that of Arsene.
My verdict: If the price isn’t right, he will not extend his contract. I’d dare say £250k may just do the trick.
Aaron Ramsey:
My verdict: He seems most likely to extend his contract on the list.
Per Mertesacker:
His extension clause has been activated hence there isn’t more to say.
Santi Cazorla:
Just as the captain above, his clause has been activated as well by the club for another year.
Jack Wilshere:
He has also stated his condition for a contract extension which is guaranteed game time which, to be honest, may be a tall order considering the options currently available and dependable when an injury is factored in.
My verdict: He is more likely to sign an extension based on allegiance to the club.
Carl Jenkinson:
There is really no debate here as he already had a foot out of the club in January to be reunited with Sam Allardyce at Crystal Palace.
My verdict: He will be sold.
Mathieu Debuchy:
Just as Carl above, he as well has been sidelined for the longest time and is most likely to be sold.
My verdict: Definitely will be sold.
Alexis Sanchez:
It is always going to come down to him when these matters are discussed, however,
My verdict: Despite his track record of being on the go once his contract is up, I choose to believe he will stay as his value to the club is indispensable and he knows it. He can better stay!
Now, one has to wonder how it is possible that so many players have their contracts unmonitored.For squad team members one can understand the oversight to some extent but for first team members, very little
As we draw dangerously close to an unwanted end to the 2016/17 season, urgent steps must be taken to eliminate some of these gaffes.
