Arsenal Round-Up: Club legend Wenger’s future; Atletico want Sanchez; Draxler wants midfielder to join PSG

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The defeat against Chelsea has effectively ended Arsenal’s title challenge and that has created more debate about the future of Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman splits the fanbase and many are hoping that he leaves in the summer when his contract expires, as he simply doesn’t have the ability to compete with the very best anymore. It has been a long time since Arsenal seriously challenged for a title and many think that a managerial change is required. Ian Wright has been talking about Wenger’s future and he believes that the Frenchman ‘has some serious thinking to do’:

“It is a tough couple of months for Arsene Wenger, and Arsenal are doing what they do when they slip up,”

“Arsenal are in the top four, but they aren’t winning the league. Arsene Wenger has some really serious thinking to do at the end of the season.”

It will be a difficult decision for Wenger to depart as he clearly loves the club, but he needs to make the decision at some point and this summer could be the right time. Arsenal need to get a replacement lined up as it needs to be a smooth transition and it doesn’t look like they have at this stage. Arsenal need to start planning for the future, as they look unable to win major honours under Wenger.

One person that doesn’t look like he wants to commit his long-term future to Arsenal is Alexis Sanchez. His contract expires in 2018 and he could be set to leave this summer if a renewal isn’t agreed. Several clubs have been linked with the Chilean, but the Mirror report that Atletico Madrid are seriously considering a move for the forward. They see him as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann, who is expected to join Manchester United this summer.

The rumoured fee is £60 million, which is an extraordinary amount, but Arsenal fans won’t be happy to see him go. It is crucial that they find a suitable replacement and if Atletico’s interest is true, then Arsenal should try and do a swap deal involving Griezmann. The Frenchman has been linked with Arsenal and it would be foolish for them not to at least ask about Griezmann as he would be the perfect replacement for Sanchez. If that isn’t possible, they need to start sourcing possible replacements as they could risk falling hugely off the pace next season without Sanchez.

Mesut Ozil also faces an uncertain future at the club and Julian Draxler has urged the midfielder to join him at Paris Saint Germain. There had been a stronger belief that Ozil would remain at the Emirates Stadium, as he is happy in London and enjoys working with Arsene Wenger. However, his talent isn’t truly respected by the English media at large and he may be tempted to move away from the Premier League. PSG have the funds to complete a deal and also have the ability to win major honours. This is something that Ozil’s career lacks at club level, therefore he would be tempted to move to the French capital.

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“He can play in any team in the world. So if he wants to come, he will be welcome from my side anyway.”

Draxler has enjoyed a good start to his career in France and his existing relationship with Ozil could increase the possibility of a move. However, there is also interest from Barcelona, which would be even more tempting, considering the quality that exists in the squad at the Nou Camp. If progress isn’t made on a new contract soon, then it leaves Arsenal open to losing Ozil in the summer. There is a possibility that Wenger, Ozil and Sanchez will all leave this summer. If that happens, you would have to fear for the future of the club, in the short term at least.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane