After Alex Oxlade-Chamberlaimn reportedly turned down a bumper pay rise when he rejected the new contract on offer to him this week, it left Arsene Wenger with just two choices. Either we agree to sell him before the current transfer window closes in a few days or we make him see out the final year of his deal before leaving for nothing.
Even though it is likely to be a Premier League rival that takes him, with Chelsea and Liverpool strongly linked, I think the boss will end up making the transfer and to make sure the club gets as much value as possible I cannot see us risking the Ox picking up a knock in the EPL trip to face Liverpool tomorrow.
Even if Wenger doesn’t sell our player, though, I do not think he will play him at Anfield because his mind is not going to be on the job. I also have a feeling that the reason he has been starting all our games recently in the new wing back role, even if it meant moving Hector Bellerin to the left flank, was part of the attempt to persuade him to sign.
Another factor in Wenger’s team selection this weekend, and a big one at that, is the return of Laurent Koscielny. The Frenchman will surely start and that means, whether Mertesacker also starts or whether Monreal moves to the left of the back three, Arsenal can use the summer signing Sead Kolasinac as left wing back in a role that appears top bring the best out of him.
Do you think the Ox will play for Arsenal this weekend?
Bob.