Young defender Zach Awe could yet still have a future at Arsenal despite it appearing that he was on the verge of an exit.
On Friday morning when the club's release list was officially announced, the 19-year-old was among 13 players across the men's first-team, U23, U18, scholars and women's teams that were confirmed to be leaving upon the expiry of their contracts at the end of the month.
But a few hours later when the Premier League published the Gunners' retained list for the 2023/24 season, Awe was included. Furthermore, he and senior star Reiss Nelson both had 'offer' next to their names which indicates they are still considering a new contract.
There's yet to be an explanation with regard to this rather confusing situation as it could be a simple mistake on behalf of one party but it's interesting to note that Awe is absent from the list of Arsenal players - including Ainsley Maitland-Niles - who are set to become free agents from June 30 as per the Premier League website.
Meanwhile, it has been communicated that second-year scholars Elian Quesada-Thorn, Josh Robinson, Jimi Gower and Ismail Oulad M'Hand have all been offered new deals.
So could it be that the north London outfit have performed a U-turn with Awe, therefore making a last-ditch attempt to convince the central defender to stay instead of leaving on a free transfer? Or is it that the teenager is yet to make a final decision and that the contract offer is still on the table?
READ MORE: Arsenal move closer to first summer transfer as Man City make major Ilkay Gundogan decision
Awe is yet to make a first-team breakthrough under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium, but he did come close during the 2021/22 campaign having been named in a Premier League matchday squad for the very first time as he provided defensive cover alongside left-back Nuno Tavares for the 1-0 win over Wolves.
However, in the season just gone despite being called up to several first-team training sessions he was effectively usurped by Reuell Walters in the pecking order with his 27 appearances across all competitions coming for U21s manager Mehmet Ali and it now remains to be seen what the future holds.
Who should stay and who should go at Arsenal this summer? Have your say below!
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