Plenty of sales to be made by Wenger and Arsenal before more targets head their way. Who will be first to leave and make space for new faces?
Reading Sky Sports, the Gunners seem set on not adding new names before getting rid of their dead wood. The manager of the London club stressed the importance of healthy competition and how at the Emirates competition is unhealthy at the moment.
Wenger is unhappy with the amount of players there are and what quality is available in those ranks. Having 33 players in their arsenal, no pun intended, is more than what is needed, according to the manager.
Wenger was reported saying:
"“Too much competition for places is detrimental, but not enough competition for places is detrimental as well.”"
These comments support Wenger’s previous stance on Arsenal’s transfer business this window. The manager had already informed all, they are not spending big this summer. Which kills off any transfers until further notice.
"“First I think we have to keep 90 per cent of these players together and find one or two more who strengthen the group,“But we don’t need a lot. We don’t need many. But we need maybe top quality.” Wenger said."
If they are to sell, there are players who are more likely to leave ahead of others. The status of these players at the Emirates are unclear and look likely to depart before the window closes.
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez are two of the front-runners. The former, not improving contract talks and the latter being heavily linked with a move to PSG.
Arsenal have stood firm over their star players, especially over the Chilean but leaving him out of the team for whatever reasons.
Be it because of his participation in the Confederation Cup, or him wanting to leave the club, the player’s time at the club hangs in the air.
A player who will take certain leave from Arsenal is, Lucas Perez. Both the club and player are happy to part ways after an unsuccessful run at the club.
His first season and what should be his only season, was nothing to look back on and a part of his career he’d like to forget.
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Question with this, who would be the inclusion after Perez’s exit? Adding Alexandre Lacazette already to the team, they are in no need for another striker. The only player linked with Gunners, is young talent, Thomas Lemar.
A bid from Arsenal for Lemar was rejected by Monaco, due to the player not being for sale at any price. After a strong stand over the player, expressing their unwillingness to sell, Monaco has since eased up and is open to negotiations.
This could open the door for the likes of either Chamberlain or Sanchez to leave the club and free up funds for a fresh player.
Chamberlin has made it clear as daylight; he wants to be first choice wherever he ends up, that would include an Arsenal stay.
Sanchez enters the final stages of his contract, with the board and Wenger divided on whether to cash in or not.
PSG have proved how hard it is to keep a player out their dressing room. To make space for a player like Lemar, Wenger has to be willing to sell Sanchez.
With just over three weeks left in the window, I expect news surrounding the London club to heat up.
Next: Adam Lallana suffers thigh injury
Wenger has been able to stay out of the limelight regarding transfer news. It will surprise me, if any of the players mentioned in this post do not leave the club. We are in for a busy few weeks.