With the January transfer window approaching, it is not only new faces that the main Premier League clubs need to concentrate on.
Existing players who have expiring contracts in the summer will be able to sign for a new club ahead of next season, with plenty of decisions of whether to renew deals or cut stars free to be made.
At Arsenal, the focus has been on Bacary Sagna’s contract situation, with the France international able to leave the club this summer. However, another Emirates Stadium star that is in the last 12 months of his deal with the north London outfit is Tomas Rosicky.
The Czech Republic international is ageing, and at 33 may well be deemed too old to have a future at a club chasing the Premier League title. However, Rosicky has been in good form this season, and as such Arsenal have a decision to make.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been with Arsenal since 2006 and as such is one of the most experienced and longest serving players in Arsene Wenger’s squad.
He has shown an array of attacking ability in his time in England, with his vision, trickery and movement off the ball synonymous with his time at Arsenal.
However, in recent seasons Rosicky has seemingly added a new dimension to his game with the midfielder now renowned for his work-rate, determination and willingness to track back towards his own goal.
Rosicky is by no means guaranteed a place in Arsenal’s starting XI week-in, week-out, with plenty of top-quality players fighting it out for a berth in Wenger’s midfield.
That said, the veteran has played in ten Premier League games this season and also featured in important fixtures in the Champions League.
In Arsenal’s recent clash against Chelsea, the Gunners were struggling for inspiration to break down a stubborn opponent, and Rosicky was one of the most vocal and hard-working players in the home side in the search of a winner.
There have been plenty of rumours linking Rosicky with a lucrative move to the MLS, but Arsenal should carefully consider the player’s future before allowing him to leave the club.
Rosicky’s versatility to play anywhere across midfield, experience and influence should still be a real bonus to the Gunners over the course of a long season, and a one-year extension could well be a shrewd move.
Should Arsenal extend Rosicky’s contract?
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