Despite claims from Arsene Wenger and Ivan Gazidis that Arsenal enjoyed a successful transfer window, that could not be further from the truth. Failures to address key areas, namely midfield and defense, left fans angry and the club paid with back-to-back defeats.
Now, David Ornstein has shed light into what happened over the summer, and it paints an even more chaotic picture of the Gunners. According to the BBC Sport reporter, four players asked to leave the club: Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Shkodran Mustafi, and Hector Bellerin.
While the first two players come as no surprise, the latter two might raise a few eyebrows. Ornstein revealed via a Tweet that the Spanish right-backed asked to leave upon returning from Euro U-21.
Mustafi also wanted out, hence the rumors linking him with Inter. Le Prof, who had been disappointed by the German’s debut season, was open to selling as long as a replacement could be found.
Quick attempt to answer some Qs on #AFC window. Likes of @SwissRamble @AST_arsenal far better & more forensic on finances + results/AGM soon pic.twitter.com/LSDoAfZ1kp
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) September 4, 2017
Wenger reportedly wanted to keep The Ox, but Arsene could not risk losing three key players – the Englishman, Sanchez, and Ozil – for free next summer. As a result, the Southampton youth product had to be cashed in.
The north London outfit were keen on more summer signings, but needed to make room on the wage bill and sell players to raise funds. As a result, Szczesny; Giroud; Perez; Wilshere; Elneny; Gibbs; Chambers; Jenkinson; and others were put on the chopping block.
Their exodus did not go as planned. Lucas Perez was asked to stay after it appeared Giroud was on his way out, but the Frenchman – alongside Wilshere – decided to stay and fight for their place at the Emirates. Perez was then told to leave, but a permanent move could not be arranged by then.
Wenger also changed his mind on Chambers, thus retaining the Englishman. Arsenal’s remain confident that they can beat the odds and win the Premier League, with funds being saved for the two upcoming transfer windows.
Unfortunately, their underperforming lineup and Kroenke’s refusal to spend big continue to hurt the FA Cups holders. Only time will tell what this season holds for Arsenal.
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