Friday 15 July 2022

Midfielders - who’s in, who’s out @ Arsenal FC?

Returning to the contractual situations of the team, provided by The Athletic (theathletic.com), we now move onto midfield.

Granit Xhaka (2024)
Although Physsy calls Xhaka a 'faux hard man' on The Loose Cannon podcast (The Loose Cannon Podcast), there is no doubt that the Swiss had a solid season overall, when looking back over the last campaign.

Apparently, there is the option of extending his contract until 2025, so a bit like last season when Roma were knocking on his door, the former captain of Arsenal is going nowhere.
Verdict: STAY

Thomas Partey (2025)
Despite being the victim of a malicious and ill-founded rumour on the internet, Partey did indeed make the party of 33, who went on the pre-season tour of America.

On his day, there are few better but, like many others in the squad, he has been strangely injury-prone since arriving at Arsenal. I've added the word 'strangely', as he didn't have a reputation for being in the sick bay, prior to joining. It makes you wonder whether or not referees are giving Arsenal as much protection as they should. Maybe if the gun was changed to a cockerel and the colors to white and blue, referees would be kinder.
Verdict: STAY

Mohamed Elneny (2023)
You have to love the Egyptian, as he has always nailed his red and white colors firmly to the mast.

Meanwhile, his showing when called upon at the end of last season certainly merited a contract extension and, if he can produce the same form again, I would expect the club to take up the option of a further year to extend his stay until 2023.
Verdict: STAY

Albert Sambi Lokonga (2026)
The 22-year-old was signed for the long-term and Arsenal fans have seen glimpses of what he's capable.

No doubt, with European football returning to the Emirates Stadium, he will get more first-team opportunities in the forthcoming campaign.
Verdict: STAY

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (2023)
Although the 24-year-old's technical ability is not in question, it is not often that we've seen him grab a game by the scruff of the neck, even in his preferred central midfield position.

It's worth keeping hold of him as a utility player, but then he could leave on a free transfer next summer. Therefore, a permanent deal away seems the most likely scenario, following loans to Roma and WBA respectively.
Verdict: GO

Lucas Torreira (2023)
Despite being a fans' favourite, Arteta has never been keen on the 26-year-old, so it would be surprising to see the tenacious central midfielder stay at Arsenal.

Valencia appears to be a possible destination for the Uruguayan but, perhaps like Fiorentina, they will baulk at paying £15m.
Verdict: GO

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