The Arsenal selection represents the greatest metamorphosis in the time of Arsène Wenger. In the 21 years that the Frenchman has been at the helm of the Gunners, he has never had to deal with the changes that are now imminent. In the summer of next year, the Premier League club can lose as many as eight players, the Daily Mirror knows.
The chance is considerable that Alexis Sánchez, Mesut Özil, Jack Wilshere and leader Per Mertesacker will run free of charge after this season. They all have an expiring contract in London. Olivier Giroud has a wish to leave, because he is not satisfied with his number of base places. Everton is interested and may try to lure him away, while Theo Walcott’s contract expires in the summer of 2019. There is also uncertainty about the situations of Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck, because their contracts will also expire in mid-2019.
Sánchez seems to be leaving in January, as Paris Saint-Germain is a serious candidate, while Manchester City is also on the sidelines. Manchester United and Barcelona are in the race for Özil, which is transfer-free after this season. Wilshere would like to stay, but does want to have a view of playing minutes. Raul Sanllehi, who has left Barcelona for Arsenal, is therefore facing a big job if he starts on 1 February as head of football.
In January, Arsenal hopes to attract a new centre defender. The list shows Abdou Diallo of 1. FSV Mainz and Ohis Felix Uduokhai of VfL Wolfsburg. Johnny Evans of West Bromwich Albion is also on the list. In addition, the Gunners are still interested in AS Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Nabil Fekir, spearhead of Olympique Lyon.
Arsenal ends this season at the first four in the Premier League.
