We have just over a month until the winter transfer window opens, so we thought we’d take a look at the players which could find themselves leaving Arsenal.
One exit could be determined on the injury/fitness situation surrounding three players, with Hector Bellerin, Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy all vying for one position. The Spaniard is hands-down winning the battle, and should all three prove to be fit and ready in January, surely one will be leaving. The French defender was close to an exit in the summer but he fitness proved an issue, and he looks the most likely of the three to be sold on.
Per Mertesacker, Santi Cazorla and Yaya Sanogo are all into the final years of their contracts, but I can’t imagine either of the former players even considering an exit. The 23 year-old however has not featured in a single competitive squad this season, and I would not be surprised to see him sold. Saint-Etienne are claimed to hold an interest in him.
Kieran Gibbs was expected to leave last summer but has found himself much more in Arsene Wenger’s plans this term, and I firmly expect him to see out the season with us. Monreal will turn 31 in February and Gibbs may well be seen as the long-term option, and may well be with us for a number of years.
Gedion Zelalem may well find himself being sent out on loan to gain first-team experience, having been limited to only two short substitute appearances in the League Cup so far this season, despite impressing on-loan with Rangers last term. It may also be favourable to send Krystian Bielik out for the remainder of the season also, with Rob Holding, Mustafi, Gabriel Paulista and Koscielny all ahead of him in the senior side.
With Arsenal looking to make a serious bid for this term’s PL title, will that mean more youngsters should leave on loan? Was Iwobi promoted during last term because we had fallen behind? Should Zelalem and Bielik get experience elsewhere?
Pat J