As we head towards the penultimate game of the season against Manchester United, the Premier League offered the fans a chance to place votes for the individuals that had been downright outstanding in the course of the campaign. Starting with the Young Player of the Season category, the eight-man shortlist includes Erling Haaland, 23, Phil Foden, 23, Cole Palmer, 22, Alexander Isak, 24, Destiny Udogie, 21, Manchester United’s breakout sensation, Kobbie Mainoo, 19, and Arsenal’s duo of William Saliba, 23, and Bukayo Saka, 22. This is the fourth season in a row that Saka has been nominated for this award, a testament of his sheer consistency at such a tender age.
Moving to the senior category, the Player of the Season category, the eight-man shortlist includes Erling Haaland, 23, Phil Foden, 23, Cole Palmer, 22, Alexander Isak, 24, Virgil van Dijk, 32, Ollie Watkins, 28, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, 25, and the British record transfer, Declan Rice, 25. This is the second season in a row where Odegaard has been nominated, and like Declan Rice, he has been one of the standout performers for Arsenal this season. Finally, there was the Manager of the Season category, where Mikel Arteta finds himself paired with the top tier managers of the Premier League, his ex-mentor and title rival, Pep Guardiola, the ongoing Scouser gaffer, Jurgen Klopp, Aston Villa’s high-flying manager, Unai Emery, and Bournemouth’s surprise package, Andoni Iraola.
Moving over to some internal affairs at the club, it was in the works that Arsenal harboured plans of extending Jorginho’s stay at the club for the foreseeable future. However, it has been confirmed by the club that extended the Italian midfielder’s stay till 2025, which looks like a very good short term move in my honest opinion. Jorginho expressed his delight of extending his time in North London,
“It’s been really positive, because I felt part of something big straight away. I felt involved and really in a good place. It’s not always like that, so when you feel something like this, it’s something important.
“I’m really happy to stay, because it’s a privilege to be a part of this family. My family is happy, we are really well settled and there’s more to come!”
“There was not much to discuss to be honest,. Because I feel really good here. Just to know that they appreciate me and want me to stay longer as well, it’s a big thing for me. I feel that I have more to do, so that’s the reason why I’m staying.”
Having Jorginho stick around for a little while is a welcome move, especially with the shakeup expected in Arsenal’s midfield this summer.
Albert Sambi Lokonga has fallen out of favor in the side and was shipped out to Luton Town in pursuit of first team football. Things haven’t panned out too well for the Belgian in the lower league outfit, especially with his injury struggles and inconsistent outings on the pitch, so it’s unlikely that he would remain at the club for the foreseeable future. I’d fathom another loan spell elsewhere next season or an outright sale for peanuts, since we usually suck at negotiating player departures.
Mohamed Elneny’s race is run and we are probably set to see him make his final showing in front of the Emirates faithful via a substitute appearance, if Arsenal is leading considerably against Everton in the final game of the campaign, as no new deal has been mentioned for him. If you recall, he would have been kicked out last season, but the club offered him a contract extension to allow him complete his rehabilitation from a knee injury.
Thomas Partey always been an effective player for Arsenal since his arrival in 2020 but his injury record left a lot to be desired. In Declan Rice, Arsenal bought the perfect player that cushioned the effect from the loss of Partey in the side, but it’s evident from the last couple of games that a midfield pairing of Partey and Rice, like party jollof rice, is a match made in heaven. However, what good is having a Rolls Royce when you never drive it due to all sorts of mechanical issues. Partey turns 31 this summer and will have one year left on his deal. Will Arsenal offer him an extension? Or will the club cut their losses and ship him out to Saudi Arabia or Juventus or something? I certainly don’t believe that Arsenal will keep him for the final year of his contract next season and allow him leave on a free transfer.
Having Jorginho around allows Rice to continue in the left 8 role that has seen him improve his attacking output, like Granit Xhaka before him, with Kai Havertz still doing the business further up the pitch.
Sayonara.
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