Arsenal: Henry Onyekuru acquisition keys on uncertainty

While we would prefer for Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to sign new contracts, there is no denying that Arsenal’s purchase of Henry Onyekuru would be wise.

According to Jeremy Wilson, Arsenal are preparing contract offers that would make Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil the highest-paid players in the club’s history. In addition to this news, Sky Sports are reporting that Arsenal have agreed on a £6.8m transfer fee with Belgian club KAS Eupen for Nigeria striker Henry Onyekuru.

It may be slightly pessimistic, but I cannot help but think that these two stories are connected. Arsenal may have indeed offered their superstars record-breaking money, but there is no guarantee that they will sign new deals.

Arturo Vidal has revealed that he has been messaging Alexis Sanchez to trade Arsenal for Bayern Munich to ‘be in a big team’. Alexis and Ozil may decide to jump ship if they feel that the rebuilding phase at Arsenal isn’t for them, and that is why the purchase of Onyekuru would be wise.

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The deal is not done just yet, but were the young Nigerian to arrive in North London, he would enter a club where there is uncertainty surrounding many attacking players.

Besides Alexis and Ozil, Lucas Perez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud have all been linked with moves away. The switch to the 3-4-2-1 formation did not suit the qualities of Theo Walcott either, and it’s now unknown where his future lies.

Alex Iwobi did not take the next step in his development last season, in fact, it could be strongly argued that he took a step back. Nonetheless, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that not only could Iwobi and Onyekuru play pivotal roles in Arsenal’s long-term future, they could also play a significant part as early as next season.

Riyad Mahrez has handed in a transfer request at Leicester City, and he could be lining up in the famous Arsenal colours next season, but as previously mentioned, the purchase of Henry Onyekuru would be incredibly wise.

There are no guarantees as of now with regards to the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, whether they leave now or when their contracts expire, someone will have to fill the void.

I have no issue whatsoever with the pursuit of Onyekuru, my issue would be with the departures of Alexis and Ozil. It goes without saying that everything must be done to try and keep them at the club.

Arsene Wenger took a £2m flier on Rob Holding last year and it worked out quite well. There are no guarantees in football, but a £6.8m flier on a soon-to-be 20-year-old who was the joint top scorer in the Jupiler League last season sounds like a worthwhile investment.

Next: 3 reasons Henry Onyekuru isn't Rob Holding

The Gunners needed attacking reinforcements regardless of whether Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil agreed to new terms, let’s hope that Henry Onyekuru can be part of the solution.

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