Emirates Stadium boss set for growing interest in a number of his Gunners squad.
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Arsene Wenger is set for a series of bids for his star performers as Arsenal battle to salvage their disastrous start to the season and the possibility of further major player exits following the summer departures of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy.
A number of Wenger’s squad will find themselves with just a year on their contracts come the end of the season and as a result the North London side may struggle to get their top talents to put pen to paper on new deals during a torrid time in the club’s history.
Club captain Robin Van Persie has stated that he is not ready to discuss a new deal at present and that has led to speculation that Manchester City are considering making a significant offer for the Dutchman to add to his former Arsenal team-mates Kolo Toure and the aforementioned Nasri and Clichy at the Etihad Stadium.
Serie A pacesetters Juventus have expressed an interest in attacker Theo Walcott and the Turin side are now riding high at the top of the table and boss Antonio Conte has stated publicly his interest in the England international who also sees his current contract come to an end in the summer of 2013.
A third player attracting interest is Belgian centre back Thomas Vermaelen who is now a target for Ligue 1 big spenders PSG and even though the former Ajax man has suffered with some injury problems the Parc des Princes boss Antoine Kombouaré and director of football Leonardo are still monitoring the consistent defender’s progress this season with a view to making an offer for his services next summer.
Arsene Wenger always knew that this season could be a make or break one for the Emirates Stadium side, after six seasons without silverware and the loss of some hugely crucial first team players the Arsenal boss realises that a failure to at least secure a top four finish could prove a major blow to his chances of continuing in his position after 15 years at the helm.
Arsenal will hope that this trio agree deals before next summer to avoid having to cash in, much as they did in the case of Samir Nasri, but if there isn’t a significant upturn in form then persuading these key players from pursuing moves elsewhere may prove very problematic indeed.