Arsenal switches from British Home Stores to French Connection

From British Home Stores to French Connection

In December 2012, Arsene looked into providing a Grahamesque British spine to the team, but things haven’t worked out that way and he now appears to be reverting to form and is back shopping at French Connection.

Wenger stated that Jack was, “The leader of the group of exceptional players” all of whom he predicted had successful Arsenal careers ahead of them and the future spine of the club, but what has happened to the Anglo Arsenal contingent?

Carl Jenkinson – Following his one and only England cap in November 2012, Jenks vowed to not only challenge but take the right back spot from Sanga, to push his claim for a place in the England squad for the 2014 World Cup.
You’ve got to applaud Carl’s puppy dog like enthusiasm, but he just wasn’t quite up to the mark.

The epitome of ‘Once a Gooner, always a Gooner’, he didn’t make the touring party, even with Bellerin’s unavailability and is currently waiting for Crystal Palace to reignite their interest to give him a shout at first team football.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – If only everyone could decide where the Ox should play, life would be simple. At the end of last season, he seemed to find his niche as a wing back and was pushing Bellerin for a starting spot, but he is obsessed with playing centrally and even though he has shown flashes of his ability in that role, there doesn’t seem the opportunity in the current set up to get a sustained run there to claim the spot.

In the last year of his contract and with Chelsea fluttering their eyes at him, it seems he may well be on his way to joining the British exodus.

Jack Wilshere – Hailed as a ‘Future England Captain’ by Capello and Steven Gerrard, hailed as ‘The Future of English Football’ by Xavi and hailed by Guardiola as ‘A Special Talent’. Normally after 3 hail marys, all you sins are forgiven, but Jack must have seriously wronged someone in a former life.

With more injuries than the rest of the Arsenal squad put together* (*stats to be confirmed) and a penchant for the odd, not so sneaky fag on a night out with the boys, Jack’s career appears to be going the way of many a ‘Next Big Thing’ and after his forays on the South Coast last season, permanent exile to the east end looks to be next step.

Theo Walcott – Arsenals longest serving player and the original ‘Next Henry’.

Another player who suffers from wanting to play where he wants to and not where he is most suited.
A long way down the peaking order in HIS preferred role as centre forward and not suited to the wide forward role in a 343 formation, Theo’s prospects of game time look slim. With no suitors on the horizon and a whopping £140k a week salary to negotiate, it looks like Theo will be getting well acquainted with the bench next season

Aaron Ramsey – Only Giroud divides opinions with the Arsenal faithful more than Rambo. With the injuries to Santi, Aaron has taken his chance and settled himself in the central midfield role to some effect.

Having an almost telepathic understanding with Ozil and scoring winners in FA Cup finals, helps his cause no end. Ramsey seems set in his role at the club as the only one of the ‘British Core’ who stood the test of time, although this may change, should Arsenal finally agree a deal with Monaco for Lemar.

Kieran Gibbs – And finally, there was Kieran Gibbs, like Jenks, he flirted with the England setup, but that seems a distant memory now.

With the signing of Kolasinac, Gibb’s chances of playing at all next season are slim to none. He also missed the trip Down Under and if the Baggies (or anyone else) comes in with a bid of more that £10m, he will be on his way.

So with Rambo left as the only one signing ‘I’m still standing’, Arsene’s trial with the British Core seems to be at an end.

Steve Wellman

English by birth, Australian by choice. Traffic Engineer, Arsenal ST Holder, Sun DreamTeam Winner, Writer on @GunnersTown, Depeche Mode, Welcome to my world…