Personally, saying he is one of our better performing players doesn’t mean much. Partly because imo it’s basically just decent to good performances over a fairly short period, and because it doesn’t take much to stand out among the general dross that has been our side.
I think the club also has been trying to tie him down but on terms that are favourable to us. I dont think we should just be offering him whatever he wants. In Ramsey and Wilshere we have two players with hugely questionable fitness records who blow hot and cold in terms of performances.
We shouldn’t just quickly offer either of them the wages they are probably demanding because they can’t be relied upon.
I think of all the midfield players we have had in recent seasons, that have been here for a while, like Wilshere, Walcott, Chamberlain and Ramsey, Wilshere is the only one who has that winning mentality that we have lacked.
His obvious problem is his injury record and if he can go this season, like he did last season at Bournemouth, without a long term injury and keep his decent form up, he could be a good first team player.
There has clearly been a shift at the club on transfers and contracts, which is a good thing, and I understand why the club are reluctant to sign him on a massive deal because of the vast amount of wages wasted on so many players that don’t deserve it, but he is the type of player that could be worth it.
Saying that, I’m not sure any other top club is going to offer him any more, so maybe we are doing the right thing.
Hakim Ziyech is one the most exciting stars in world football at present, and recent comments by the Moroccan’s agent means Arsenal fans may have reason to get excited.