Arsenal appear to be working hard in the transfer window at present, but there are a number of question marks already in the first-team squad that could do with being answered.
Our side have moved swiftly to bring in top-level striker Alexandre Lacazette so far this month, and his capture looks a huge one as we look to move forward, but their is a huge cloud of doubt which needs to be addressed.
Alexis Sanchez remains as the biggest worry, with only one year remaining on his current deal, and his agent seems to be pushing for a move. Manchester City are the bookmakers favourites to sign him should he quit our club, while Arsene Wenger has tried to rule out letting him join a rival.
Our problems delve much further than just the potential exit of our star player, with Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs all out of contract next summer, while fringe players Wojciech Szczesny, Carl Jenkinson and Joel Campbell are also into their final year.
The German international is the only one who has spoken out, and looks like he is convinced that he will be staying beyond the current window, but the Ox and Ramsey are ongoing and worrying sagas.
The England international is claimed to be open to a move to league rivals Liverpool, while Ramsey is believed to be a possible target for Barcelona. I’m yet to see either talk about their futures since the end of the season, and I’m not seeing any talk of ongoing discussions over deals either.
The duo enjoyed a great end to the season in the new formation, and could finally be set to play a hugely important role in our first-team, and it would be disastrous to lose them just as they are finally excelling and meeting their true potential.
Is our club missing a trick with our current crop? Have the players told the club that they will consider their futures unless a stronger squad is in place? Are the contract talks just happening in private?
Pat J