Arsenal boss preparing for biggest overturn of players since his reign began
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits FA Cup defeat against Sutton ... - thesun.co.uk
Arsene Wenger braces himself for the January transfer window with several players ready to exit the Emirates
by Lee Grocott
17 December 2017 17:25 Sun 17 Dec 2017 17:25:03 GMT
Arsenal have had a difficult time in the Premier League so far this season and it could be getting much worse for the Frenchman as many of his players, according to the Mirror, are rumoured to be leaving the club during the next transfer window.
A number of contracts are set to expire
Several of the Arsenal players are coming towards the end of their current contracts and some could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are the biggest names to be making the rounds. Also, Jack Wilshere and club captain Per Mertesacker are yet to agree a new deal to keep them at the club.
Wilshere is said to want to remain a Gunner but will move if he doesn't get more game time.
Sanchez very nearly left the club at the end of last season with a transfer to Manchester City seconds from complete. However, Wenger's failure to sign Monaco winger Thomas Lemar hindered Sanchez leaving the Emirates and his move to City then collapsed.
Ozil, seemingly unhappy at Arsenal, is ready to exit the London club with many European sides interested in his services. Recently, Jose Mourinho's Manchester United have emerged as favourites to sign the Turkish-born German midfielder - Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the situation.
Wenger's faces dilemma
In both cases, Wenger finds himself in a troublesome dilemma - whether to sell the stars in January to guarantee a fee or to hold out until the end of the season in the hopes they have a change of heart and remain at the club - but if they do leave, Wenger will lose out and be forced to let them leave on a free transfer.
The 68-year-old, after 21 years in charge of the club, will be desperate to keep his star players. With the side already struggling, losing such influential squad members will only worsen the situation and put his managerial position in serious jeopardy.
Everton ready to profit
Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott are also rumoured to be leaving Arsenal with Everton keen on signing Giroud to bolster their attacking line and the Toffees have enquired about Walcott - his contract is set to expire in 2019.
Both players are desperate for regular playing time, something Wenger seemingly cannot guarantee but new Everton manager Sam Allardyce would jump at the chance for a prolific goalscorer and pacey winger at his disposal.
Rebuilding the squad
Arsenal will face a huge task if they are forced to fully rebuild their squad over the coming few months. Raul Sanllehi was brought in from Barcelona to help the side in terms of transfers and his challenging job will officially begin on February 1st - with Dick Law supervising for the time being.
Sanllehi does have a hymn sheet to sign from though - Arsenal do possess an interesting transfer list. Thomas Lemar from Monaco currently sits at the top of that list with Lyon's Nabil Fekir a close second - Fekir being the likely replacement for Mesut Ozil should he leave the club in the coming weeks.
Lee Grocott
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