Arsenal Exodus Indicative Of The Diminishing Crippling Sentiment

Lucas Perez, David Ospina, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez all want Arsenal exits. The impending exodus is indicative of the diminishing crippling sentiment towards Arsene Wenger.

Leicester City recently sacked Claudio Ranieri. They have since won both their Premier League games – dismantling Liverpool and overcoming Hull City – looking a wholly new team under caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare. It is a decision that many Arsenal fans would like their club to make.

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The backlash in dismissing the man who masterminded the greatest league victory in English footballing history was vociferous, to say the least. There were claims that the decision tarnished their title-winning season; that Ranieri was not given the time his accolades deserved; that the club were heartless.

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All these allegations may well be true. But the decision was made and it is likely that it was the right one. What the Leicester board did not allow themselves to feel was sentiment. The oft-crippling, decision-deciding, progress-stifling rose-coloured sentiment is a feeling that has seen organisations stagnate for years far beyond what was expected or what should have occurred.

Arsenal are a club where sentiment has ruled the roost for far too long. However, recent reports suggest that many of the established members of the squad have, quite simply, suffered the cushy atmosphere that has been cultivated at the club for too long; are tired to losing, especially in the big games; and are now looking for pastures new elsewhere.

The most famous examples are Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The dominating narrative of the season for the Gunners has centred on the long-term futures of the pair. Neither have committed to talks regarding a new contract, both have reportedly demanded eye-watering wages and now, as we steam towards a summer filled with uncertainty and controversy, the likelihood of either remaining in North London beyond the end of the season is extremely slim.

However, if reports are to be believed, there are many other players who are also yearning for an exit. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also has a little over a year remaining on his deal and has stated his desire to reject any offers beyond the summer of 2018; Lucas Perez, after just a year at the Gunners, has become frustrated with his lack of playing time, and, as such, is also wanting an exit; while David Ospina is worried by the impending return of Wojciech Szczesny and feels that he must depart to establish himself as a starting goalkeeper for another side.

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Each have their reasons for wanting to leave. All of them are valid. Individually, perhaps only the Ozil and Sanchez cases are overly concerning to the club. However, as a collective, the impending exodus is indicative of the diminishing, crippling sentiment that has engulfed Arsenal’s thinking for many years. It’s not looking good for Arsene Wenger whatsoever!