What role will Sanogo play next season?
Whilst yesterday sparked the return of many Arsenal first team regulars back in training, there were also a few unfamiliar faces pictured at London Colney.
First teamers including Theo Walcott, Per Mertesacker and Nacho Monreal, were joined by the likes of young Gunners Chuba Akpom, Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Yaya Sanogo. There were plenty of smiles amongst Arsenal fans at seeing the Gunners back in action as they prepare for pre-season, but many were also left disappointed seeing the latter, Yaya Sanogo, returning to Arsenal.
In the mix of Rosicky’s, Arteta’s and Flamini’s contracts all running out, there was a small rumour that Sanogo’s contract was also due to expire, however this was left unconfirmed. It now seems that although it can be officially noted that Flamini has left the club (after many debates), Sanogo on the other hand is still very much a part of Arsenal.
So where does Sanogo stand for next season? Will he go out on loan again or is he due another chance in the first team? Sanogo was given a fair few chances in his first seasons at the club and was even leading the line for Arsenal in the FA Cup final back in 2014. Sanogo however has rarely sparkled on the pitch with the Gunners, in fact his best performance came in a Pre-Season fixture in the Emirates Cup where he somehow managed to slot four goals past Benfica.
Aside from that, a single goal against Borussia Dortmund and you have Sanogo’s Arsenal career summed up. It may be rash to be harsh considering he still hasn’t really had the chance to prove himself over a longer period of time, but can Arsenal really afford to give the Frenchman more chances up front?
Sanogo has since been sent out on loan to Crystal Palace, Ajax and Charlton, where again he has failed to truly impress on a consistent basis. I think Wenger will give him a chance during pre-season that’s for sure, to see how he fairs. However I don’t expect too much to come from Sanogo and before you know it I’d expect the French late bloomer to be shipped out on loan once again. Or is Wenger keeping him as backupin case he fails in his striker search?
By AH