Arteta, Rosicky and Flamini exits will be felt at Arsenal - Arsene Wenger 
LONDON -- Arsene Wenger says Arsenal "will lose three big personalities" when Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini exit the club this summer. Wenger paid tribute to the trio of midfielders at his news conference on Friday as all three are out of contract after the season ends following Sunday's home game against Aston Villa. Only Flamini has been a regular player this season, with Rosicky making only one appearance because of injury troubles. Arteta, the club captain, has also struggled with injuries and was often left out of the squad even when fit. "Arteta has been a great leader. All these players will have to decide if they go on with their career as a football player or as a coach," Wenger said.
"Tomas Rosicky has been with us for 10 years, I think everybody loves him as well. Flamini has been an extremely strong leader as well on the pitch and off the pitch. We lose three big personalities."
Arteta has been linked with a move to Manchester City to become part of Pep Guardiola's coaching staff next season, while Rosicky is hoping to represent Czech Republic at the European Championship this summer.
Asked if the trio was "definitely" leaving the club after their contracts expire, Wenger said: "It depends what you call definitely. Nobody leaves definitely at Arsenal, ever. They all come back, always."
Rosicky has played three games with Arsenal's under-21s since returning from a thigh injury sustained in January, but has yet to be included in the first-team squad.
Wenger said "maybe one or two" of the outgoing players could feature on Sunday, but added that Flamini could miss the game with an ankle problem.
There is not much room on the Arsenal bench, as Mesut Ozil is expected back after missing last weekend's 2-2 draw at Manchester City with a hip problem, while Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla are also back fit.
That means Wenger would likely have to leave the likes of Francis Coquelin or Mohamed Elneny out of the squad if he wants to give Arteta and Rosicky a final appearance at the Emirates.
But Arsenal need a draw to lock up third place and a win to have any chance of overtaking second-place Tottenham, so he does not have much room for sentimentality either.
Wilshere came on 20 minutes into the City game in only his second appearance of the season, and Wenger said he is in contention to start the final game of the campaign.
"He can start. He played 75 minutes in a very intense game, so I believe he can start," Wenger said. "I haven't decided yet, but there's no problem why he shouldn't. I consider him now as a player who is ready to play."
http://www.espnfc.com/arsenal/story/2871879/mikel-arteta-tomas-rosicky-and-mathieu-flamini-exits-will-be-felt-at-arsenal-arsene-wenger [ 此帖被羅力亞在2016-05-16 08:14重新編輯 ]
