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ESPN pundit Steve Nicol talks about Wenger's situation
The contracts of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are up in the summer and neither of the players is closer to renewing their contract. Thus, Arsenal are running the risk of losing arguably their top two players for free in the summer unless they sell the duo in January.
However, Arsene Wenger has come out and spoke about his decision to keep the players in January, irrespective of any bids for the players. Former Liverpool player and now ESPN pundit Steve Nicol spoke about the situation and expressed that the Frenchman will face a severe backlash from the fans if he goes back on his words and sells either of them in January. Nicol said:
“I just don’t see any way possible, or any reason why, Arsenal would let these two leave. I don’t think Arsenal are desperate for money, certainly money talks.
"But I think they would have an absolute revolt on their hands with the fans if they let any of them go, never mind the two of them. So I really don’t see any way possible that either of these two leave whatsoever, I just don’t see it. It would be crazy.”
Nicol definitely has a point regarding the revolt as the fans are already divided about Wenger staying at the club. Now, going back on his word in January, especially if either Sanchez joins Manchester City or Ozil joins Manchester United, could prove catastrophic for the club and manager.
Arsenal in talks with Karim Benzema to replace Sanchez
Spanish outlet Don Balon reports that the Gunners are in constant talks with Real Madrid's star striker Karim Benzema. Wenger sees the Frenchman as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez and should the Chilean leave, the London side are ready to move swiftly for the Madrid ace.
The 29-year old could cost anywhere between £53 million to £70 million as per several reports. However, the player's form has been uncharacteristically poor this season which could see Arsenal sign the player for a lower price than the one Madrid would like.
The English side have always been interested in Benzema, be it for the French connection with Wenger or the sheer quality of the striker. The former Lyon man has been one of the most consistent players for close to a decade at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the current dip in form coupled with his age could see Madrid replace him with a younger player sooner than later.
In such a scenario and given the high chances of Sanchez leaving, Benzema joining Arsenal would benefit Madrid as well. Now, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners can pull off the deal without Champions League football this season.
Arsenal to fight it out with Manchester City for Jonny Evans
The former Manchester United defender currently plies his trade for West Brom, having joined the Baggies in 2015. Pep Guardiola reportedly wanted him in the summer but in the end, the deal did not go through. Now, the Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal are set to rekindle their interest in the 29-year old.
The Gunners had bid for Evans back in 2016 during the summer transfer window. However, their £25 million offer was rebuffed by West Brom on deadline day. Now, West Brom's league struggles could lead to selling of Evans to raise funds for new signings to help the new manager, Alan Pardew.
However, any bid for Evans will see competition from Manchester City with Pep Guardiola looking for defensive cover after John Stones suffered a hamstring injury recently. Thus, this could prove to be a good fight between the domestic rivals and it could very well come down to the player's decision in the end.
