Arsenal fans assembling in the corner of the Transfer Tavern for tonight’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich are killing time by debating whether this trio should be allowed to leave.
The Evening Standard reveal captain Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini are all set to leave next summer, with Arsenal not planning to extend the contracts to the veteran midfielders.
35-year-old Rosicky seems most certain to leave, as he’s yet to feature this season and is sidelined until the New Year, whilst there’s question marks about 31-year-old Flamini’s capability to perform at a top level.
However, Flamini is a trusted member of the dressing room and Arsene Wenger will lose a key asset behind the scenes if the Frenchman departs; whilst the same can be said for Arteta, who has captained the side for the past two seasons.
The triple departure would likely mean incoming midfield deals next summer for Arsenal, with a defensive-midfielder top of the priority and a creative player also in their sights.
Arsenal supporters at the bar say they will said to see the trio go but accept it’s for the best- although they want Arteta to stay in a coaching position.
Arsenal fans, should this trio be allowed to leave next summer? Who should come in to replace them? Let us know in the comments below!
