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Aaron Ramsey's contract situation looks all but too familiar as the Gunners were set to drag talks to the last minute. However, this time around, just as Ramsey was prepared to sign his new contract, the club decided not to offer the contract to him anymore. This makes the Welsh international a free agent next summer.
It looks certain that the midfielder will leave the club by the end of this season. Unai Emery appears eager to build his squad to mount a challenge for the Premier League title soon, so a couple other first-team players could join him in departing for pastures new.
Despite the signings of Lucas Torreira and Stephan Lichsteiner over the summer, the Gunners continue to suffer defensively and it's definitely an area where Emery will have to look into long-term. The backline have never stopped conceding, nor appearing vulnerable against opposition attackers, so here is a look at three players who could leave the club if not offered a new contract:
#3 Petr Cech
The legendary goalkeeper's contract is set to expire at the end of this current campaign. Despite being named in the starting eleven during the early stages of the campaign, Cech gradually lost his place to summer acquisition Bernd Leno - having sustained an injury during their 2-0 win over Watford.
Since then, the German hasn't looked back. He looks far more confident playing in England's top-flight than Cech, although he does not possess much Premier League experience.
Over the past few seasons, the former Chelsea man has often been criticised for being unable to save penalties and conceding soft goals. Now that Emery is using him sparingly, he appears nothing more than a back-up option if Leno is injured.
In the last two games where he has featured in the Europa League, Cech has done well to make a few good saves and help his side to keep clean sheets. Since returning from his hamstring injury in late October, the 36-year-old has found himself on the bench during league fixtures.
Leno continues to grow in confidence and that could force Emery into deciding against renewing Cech's contract. Arsenal still have David Ospina out on-loan at Napoli, while Emiliano Martinez is patiently waiting for his chance to represent the Gunners this term.
#2 Carl Jenkinson
His injury over the summer months denied Arsenal an opportunity to sell him earlier but since successfully recovering, the Englishman is yet to play a minute of Premier League football.
He has only made two Europa League appearances and one Carabao Cup appearance thus far this term, showing that Emery views him as a back-up option.
From his recent appearances, Jenkinson has failed to really impress his critics nor justify why he should be starting in the league. Rather than playing in his preferred right-back position, the 26-year-old has found himself either at left-back, or central defence. Perhaps due to the presence of both Lichtsteiner and Hector Bellerín, there is no room to slot him into.
His existing deal expires in June 2020, so the club will do well to sell him for a modest transfer fee before then.
#1 Mohamed Elneny
The defensive midfielder is certainly not at the top of Emery's list of favoured players. Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira have been doing a great job as defensive midfielders and are yet to lose a game. In addition to the duo, there is young Matteo Guendouzi, who has gained plenty of invaluable experience this term already and shown excellent promise.
The Frenchman, a £7m summer signing from Lorient, is still only 19-years-old. There are plenty of capable midfielders that Elneny is yet to overtake in the club's pecking order, so it's likely he could be sold in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 26-year-old has only made five appearances across all competitions this season and on most occasions, he is an unused substitute in Premier League action. Since he's not earning sufficient minutes at club level, the Egyptian should seek an opportunity to leave the club with interested sides said to be monitoring his situation.
