It is not a nice situation for any club to have the future of their key players unsure and unsettled. Arsenal seems to be in the middle of a mass exodus unless they get the contracts of their key players sorted soon.
First and foremost, there is Alexis Sanchez, who will reach the end of his contract at the current season and has so far refused to sign a new one. Joining him on the rebel’s list is German playmaker Mesut Ozil, who also will be a free agent, come the end of the season and a contract is yet to be signed.
Then there is the curious case of Jack Wilshere with both player and the club unsure of continuing their long-drawn marriage, as the Englishman enters the final year on his contract. Finally, there is still the case of Santi Cazorla, who also will become a free agent after this season.
With so many players running out of a contract, Wenger has to act wisely and keep back up options in mind. While the future of Wilshere and Cazorla looks likely to be in the hands of Arsenal, the same thing cannot be said for the other two. Moreover, Cazorla, who will turn 33 this year, is not getting any younger.
It is in this light, that Arsenal, who has been keeping a track on young German Kerem Demirbay, need to consider a move for the playmaker quickly.
Demirbay, 24 years old, currently plays for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The controversial German has played for several German clubs and seems to have finally found his place at Hoffenheim. He has scored 8 goals and created 14 for his teammates in 43 appearances for the club. His impressive outings helped the club finish fourth in the Bundesliga table last season.
After enjoying a successful season, he went on to play for Germany in the 2017 Confederations Cup and ended the tournament with a winner’s medal.
Now, with Inter also on the heels of the player, Arsenal will have to make up their mind soon about their chase for the playmaker. If Wenger can manager to hold on to his midfield option, Demirbay becomes a redundant buy, as he would not be getting a regular first-team chance.
However, if Wenger is forced to lose Ozil and Wilshere does not take up the mantle and with Cazorla ageing, Demirbay could become a useful signing for the North London outfit and might ease the blow of losing their star players.
But is Demirbay the best option for Arsenal?
