Arsenal: Koscielny And Mertesacker Contracts Raise Huge Problems
Both Laurent Koscielny’s and Per Mertesacker’s contract expire next summer. Both could leave on a free and consequently Arsenal have huge problems to solve.
Arsenal, historically, have often struggled with holding on to their best players due to poor management of their contracts. Both Thierry Henry’s and Robin Van Persie’s deals were allowed to dwindle down to only 12 months remaining which resulted in the club being utterly powerless to resist any bids due to the threat of them leaving on a free the following season.
Such issues could well come to the fore once more, as a few key members of the current squad have contracts with less than two years remaining. Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are the two highest profile names and there are valid concerns for the Gunners if they are unable to tie up deals for both of them quickly.
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A lesser known issue, though, comes in the shape of Arsenal’s long time centre-half pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. The two have been the base of the team since Mertesacker’s addition in 2011, anchoring down a stout back four over the past five years, forming a formidable pair with the aerial presence of Mertesacker blending beuatifully with the pace and power of Koscielny.
The concern comes in their respective contracts. Both have less than a year remaining and if Wenger does not act quickly and decisively, then the two could leave the Emirates on a free next summer. While the recent addition of Mustafi suggests that Mertesacker may well be weened out of the first team, Koscielny is still a major part of the side and it would be a difficult task to replace him next summer.
Rob Holding has looked phenomenal as a young talent and Calum Chambers will continue his development at Middlesborough on a season-long loan but the man in the middle, the man who will likely start alongside Mustafi in a year if injuries subside and Per and Laurent do indeed leave is Gabriel Paulista, and the Brazilian has looked short of ability since moving to the Emirates.
Arsenal can survive the departure of Mertesacker – though his experience would be a tough loss – but if Koscielny leaves, then more investment would once again be a neccessity. The contract situation of both Mertesacker and Koscielny is worth keeping an eye on throughout the season as it could be a huge determining factor of the future makeup of the defence.
It has been a fruitful few years under the partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker. Last season showed glimpses of it breaking down, the addition of Mustafi all but ends it. Now, life after the duo is set to begin and Wenger must carefully manage the transition.