While Arsene Wenger and Arsenal are supposedly find every possible way of getting Alexis and Ozil to put pen to paper, it’s being reported in the media today that there’s an English trio at the club who should be a little more concerned than most about where their future lies.
The Evening Standard are today suggesting that Arsenal stars Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all beginning to worry about a lack of contract talks with Arsenal, with the trio all having just 18 months left on their respective deals. Gibbs and Chamberlain aren’t exactly regular starters at the club, with both finding game time hard to come by not just this season but throughout the past few seasons too. Wilshere of course was deemed surplus to requirements altogether this season and Arsene Wenger agreed the best option for the player was to build his fitness away from Arsenal on loan.
Wilshere has largely impressed at Bournemouth, so much so that some transfer rumours have suggested that the South coast side are interested in making such a move permanent. However it is understood that Wenger intends for the player to return to the Emirates next season.
Chamberlain has found form this season, having already broken his best ever season tally for the Gunners halfway through the campaign. With Alexis pushed up front, Chamberlain has found himself a little more game time; but with Alexis now being very much shunted back out wide, the Englishman may see his minutes fall once again.
Gibbs has a loyalty to the club, having spent the entirety of his professional career with the Gunners. A few years between Clichy and Monreal saw Gibbs rise to fame with a regular spot at Arsenal, but he’s been unable to hold down a starting place ahead of Monreal these last few seasons, so much so he may be considering a move.
The report suggests that with Arsenal seemingly hot on starting talks with players about their contractual commitments, it is slightly worrying for this English trio who supposedly haven’t heard a peep from the club. With little game time, their futures may be in jeopardy, but personally I don’t think they have anything to worry about. I think each player is valued highly by Arsene Wenger and by the club. All of them are capable of putting in a strong performances for the Gunners and although they may not be regular starters, they still earn a merited place in the squad.
With 18 months to go there’s still plenty of time for the Gunners to make contact with the players over a new deal. In fact I think the players who should be really concerned are Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla, both whom are approaching the end of their current deals and are picking up regular injuries with age.
By AH