From Ozil’s controversies to Aaron Ramsey’s contract uncertainty, Unai Emery has plenty to deal with in his first off-season as Arsenal’s manager.
Aaron Ramsey contract offer remains unsigned
The Welshman has a five-year deal sitting on the table. He’s yet to put on paper, though. His agent has been away and is due to return to England this week, so there is a good chance that negotiations are concluded soon. Arsenal are looking for a quick resolution, as they want to avoid another Alexis Sanchez-type of a situation. This is what Arsenal writer Charles Watts had to say about it.
“Arsenal have offered him a new five-year contract, but it’s not yet been signed. Ramsey’s agent had been away but he returned to England last week and Arsenal were hoping than an agreement could come, but as yet nothing has been signed.”
“The club remain confident that he will put pen to paper, but are also well aware of the fact the window shuts in under a month and they do not want to let him enter the final year of his contract.”
“…if he doesn’t sign soon, then Arsenal will look to sell. They don’t want another Alexis Sanchez situation.”
Arsenal captain
Another item sitting on the table next to Aaron Ramsey’s contract is Arsenal’s captain armband. Per Mertesacker’s retirement put it there. Who takes over the role largely depends on Ramsey’s decision. He’s the primary candidate to replace Mertesacker as the team’s captain, with Laurent Koscielny, tipped as the next vice-captain.
Mesut Ozil international retirement
Mesut Ozil has had a turbulent last few months which ended with him announcing his retirement from his national team yesterday. His role in Arsenal is unclear at this time, as he and Emery are yet to meet since the Spaniard was appointed. Ozil is set to fly out to Singapore to join his teammates before Arsenal’s two friendlies against PSG and Atletico Madrid.
CEO Ivan Gazidis’ potential move to AC Milan
Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis is wanted by AC Milan’s new ownership. It’s not something which is likely to happen, but it still influences the atmosphere in and around the club.
“There is clearly interest in him from Italy and the new owners at Milan, but given Gazidis has finally got the power he wanted at Arsenal, it would be incredible if he walked away now.”
Arsenal transfer and roster moves
After two convincing wins against amateur sides Boreham Wood (8-0) and Crawley Town (9-0), Arsenal is about to step it up a notch in Singapore against top opponents. Therefore, the preparations are ramping up in intensity and new boss, Unai Emery is beginning to determine who’s going to be in the starting lineup on opening day against Manchester City.
Players like Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez, Carl Jenkinson, David Ospina and Chuba Akpom are holding on for dear life. Shkodran Mustafi also lost his starting spot to new arrival Sokratis Papastathopoulos, so his long-term future with the club is in doubt as well. If The Gunners sell some of those players, new funds will become available for Emery to further strengthen his squad.
Sokratis, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi are the four players who Sven Mislintat and Unai Emery brought to Arsenal this off-season. Lucas Torreira is the only one who didn’t travel to Singapore. He will join his teammates in England once they return.