Arsenal have made major moves in the transfer market but they now face a battle to keep hold of key-players, many of whom have been linked with high-profile exits.
Whilst the futures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez remain in doubt as the pair have entered the final 12 months of their contracts, Arsenal have seen similar links emerge suggesting other senior players could leave.
One of those, Olivier Giroud, admitted during the club’s pre-season tour in Australia that he’s not certain on his future. When asked about whether he’d stay, the French striker is quoted by Sky Sports as stating:
“I honestly don’t know. At the moment I’m still an Arsenal player so I’ll try to be professional like always and prepare well for next season. Obviously there will be more competition, even more than last year, but it’s always nice for a striker to feel the pressure and I always deal with it.”
“I’ve been through some difficulties these last years but always succeeded to bounce back, but this one I don’t know. I don’t know about my future so I can’t tell you more. I’m focused on my pre-season.”
The capture of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon has handed Giroud further competition for a striking spot at the Emirates Stadium, although Arsenal may rotate their ranks due to involvement in the Europa League.