Unai Emery has overseen a vast number of changes at Arsenal already, signing Stephan Lichtsteiner and Bernd Leno, but it’s the outgoing deals that have caught the eye in the past week.
England international Jack Wilshere has announced his imminent departure on a free transfer after holding talks with the Spanish boss, where it became clear the 26-year-old would not be guaranteed the first-team football he’s seeking.
Wilshere will follow Santi Cazorla and Per Mertesacker out of the Emirates Stadium, with the latter retiring to take a role as the head of Arsenal’s academy, and former Gunners striker Olivier Giroud has fired a warning to Emery.
Now of Chelsea, the France World Cup forward said:
“It’s big news and I’m very sad to hear it, because he’s a good friend. Jack is a good lad, a very good player, very talented and it is a shame he has had so many injuries. But he came back well last season and it was good to see him on the pitch, enjoying his game and being strong.”
“It’s a big loss and I hope he will bounce back as soon as possible at a good club. I wish him the very best because I appreciate him. I hope for him and his family he will bounce back. The new manager makes the decision and he has the responsibility for the team and the player.”
