With Arsenal’s current struggles, a number of players at the club will be interested in playing football elsewhere next season. If Arsenal are to miss out on top four, several players could force their way out due to them wanting to play Champions League football.
These five players, in particular, have been rumoured to want a move away…
#5 Jack Wilshere
The jury is still out on Wilshere. At 25 years of age, the Englishman should now be heading into his prime, but on loan at Bournemouth, everyone is still unsure whether his future is at Arsenal.
After several injuries kept him out of the Arsenal side for a huge amount of games, he has struggled to showcase his talent and break into the side. There is no doubt that Wilshere is extremely talented, but he has seemingly regressed since his performances when he was a young 18-year-old.
He has been able to keep himself fit this season at the Cherries and his manager Eddie Howe has been impressed with his performances which could make Arsenal want to keep him. However, the fact that Wilshere was deemed surplus to requirements in North London this year, could sway his decision towards leaving the club.
If the Englishman is to leave Arsenal, which is looking likely, Guardiola, a long-term admirer of him, could persuade the 25-year-old to move to Manchester this summer, something Wilshere might find hard to refuse.
#4 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Apart from in his first season at the Gunners, Oxlade-Chamberlain has often struggled to maintain consistency in his performances.
However, in 2017, in a central midfield position, the Englishman’s performances have been monstrous. His ability to carry the ball from midfield is like no other, and his passing ability has seemingly gone up a level.
Not only that, he has been the only player throughout the whole Arsenal side, possibly along with Sanchez, who has performed even when the team has been struggling. However, the lack of effort by other players since Christmas could have convinced the 23-year-old to make a move this summer.
It’s unlikely he will be short of interest, with several Premier League clubs previously rumoured to be interested in him. At 23 years old, he still has many years ahead of him, and if Oxlade-Chamberlain is interested in winning titles, he could look to move away from North London this summer.
Also Read: 5 things Arsenal need to do to stay relevant
#3 Lucas Perez
Perez was only bought by the Gunners in the summer transfer window that just passed, but he could leave them after just one year at the club.
As a striker or a winger, he looks to be way down in the pecking order, behind Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and even youngster Alex Iwobi. Due to this reason, the Spaniard will be extremely frustrated and look to leave North London this summer, with rumours already beginning about his departure.
Perez, despite only making a few appearances for Arsenal, has been reasonably impressive. For example, scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League demonstrated his ability as a goal scorer.
He looks set to leave the club in a disappointing fashion, considering the promise that it created when he first joined the club. Having played such a little amount this season, it appears Arsenal have conceded the fact that he will be leaving.
#2 Mesut Ozil
The second biggest name at Arsenal who could leave the club this summer is Ozil. The German is extremely talented and with 62 created chances in the league this season, which is more than Eden Hazard, Dele Alli and Phillipe Coutinho, he will be very hard to replace should he leave.
Ozil has previously played for Real Madrid and was a fan favourite at the Galacticos. At just 28 years old, the German could still make another move to a big club. With Bayern Munich being supposedly interested in the German, he could make a move back to his home country.
His style of play has never suited the Premier League and it could be beneficial for him to make a move abroad. Ozil has been at the centre of lots of criticism by Arsenal fans since their season declined after Christmas and this could persuade the German to leave the club.
Although Ozil has been rather underwhelming so far this season, his talent is undeniable, and it will be hard to swallow for Arsenal should he leave this summer.
Also Read: 5 stars Arsenal need to sell to become competitive again
#1 Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez has been simply magnificent this season. Operating in a striker position, he has been in prolific goalscoring form with 23 goals in all competitions. Additionally, he has assisted 12 goals, showing his ability to create for the team as well.
Since arriving in England, his goal scoring record has been incredible. With Arsenal struggling to challenge for the Premier League title, he could look towards Chelsea or clubs abroad who are capable of winning titles.
Sanchez, despite being offloaded by Barcelona, has shown his ability in the Premier League. His performances have made it clear he can play for any top side in the world, and any team would be lucky to add him to their squad.
It would be a miracle if Arsenal held on to the Chilean past this summer if they miss out on the top 4, with a host of clubs seemingly interested in the forward.
Also Read: 5 reasons why Arsenal should sell Alexis Sanchez
