IN 2012, Arsenal were set to be led into a new era of greatness by a young, British core.
The Gunners had the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the squad.
What happened to Arsenal’s ‘British core’ from 2012, including Wilshere and Oxlade-ChamberlainCredit: Getty – Contributor
Under Arsene Wenger, the homegrown crew was supposed to bring back the glory days to the North London club.
Arsenal shared their excitement with a photo showing the homegrown heroes signing contracts under the watchful eye of a smiling Wenger.
But things didn’t quite go to plan – with all of the ‘core’ leaving and Wenger sacked within six years of the photo being taken.
We take a look at where the five players from the iconic 2012 picture are now, as well as another young British talent: Theo Walcott.
JACK WILSHERE
Jack Wilshere is a free agent after being let-go by West HamCredit: Reuters
Current club: Free agent
Age (current): 28
Market value (Transfermarkt): £4.3m
ARGUABLY the player Arsenal fans were most excited by, Wilshere was supposed to be the heart and soul of the Emirates for his entire career.
A diehard Gooner and unbelievably talented player, the midfielder had the world at his feet.
But a series of injuries saw his career decimated, sent on loan to Bournemouth in 2016-17 before being sold to West Ham in 2018.
Wilshere hasn’t added to his England caps since 2016 and his career looks to have taken another nosedive.
The midfielder had his contract at West Ham terminated by mutual consent earlier this month and is currently without a club.
Rangers – under Wilshere’s former England team-mate Steven Gerrard – have shown an interest in taking him on for the season.
AARON RAMSEY
Aaron Ramsey’s departure still sits badly with many Arsenal fansCredit: Alamy Live News
Current club: Juventus
Age: 29
Market value: £19.8m
ASK any Arsenal fan, the Wales star’s contract saga is arguably the most bitter pill to swallow.
Ramsey, like Wilshere, was meant to be a Gunners superstar for the next decade.
But, again like Wilshere, he struggled with injuries – prompting Arsenal to stall on a new contract.
The Welshman ultimately opted against the Gunners’ delayed – and lowball offer – and joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2019.
He is now a Serie A title winner and Champions League finalist.
Before leaving the Emirates, Ramsey – the club’s 2013-14 Player of the Season – had etched his name into Arsenal folklore with winning goals in two separate FA Cup finals.
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN
Oxlade-Chamberlin has won the Champions League and Premier League since leaving ArsenalCredit: Reuters
Current club: Liverpool
Age: 27
Market value: £25.2m
SIGNED as an exciting, young winger from Southampton, Arsenal once again lost a future star in Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Ox told Wenger he wanted to be a central midfielder but the Frenchman refused.
Ultimately, Liverpool came knocking, with Jurgen Klopp offering him the chance to fulfil his potential in a central role in a £35m deal.
Despite a nasty injury sustained in 2018, Oxlade-Chamberlain has arguably been the pick of the ‘Class of 2012’ after a series of incredible displays for Liverpool.
Ox has helped the Reds lift the Champions League trophy and Premier League trophy in the past 18 months.
THEO WALCOTT
Walcott is now back at Southampton on loan from EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Current club: Southampton (on loan from Everton)
Age: 31
Market value: £10.8m
BEFORE Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arsenal raided Saints for then-17-year-old Walcott.
When in-form, there have been few more terrifying wingers for defenders in the last decade.
But, unfortunately for Walcott, he struggled for consistency and the Gunners ultimately parted ways with the 47-cap England star in 2018.
Walcott has since played 77 times for Everton, scoring ten goals.
But as the Toffees boosted their squad to push for a Champions League spot, Walcott was pushed out on loan.
The winger is now back at boyhood club Southampton following an emotional return earlier this month.
CARL JENKINSON
Carl Jenkinson was sold to Nottingham Forest in 2019Credit: Alamy Live News
Current club: Birmingham
Age: 28
Market value: £1.1m
ARSENAL believed they’d signed their right-back for the future when they plucked Jenkinson from Charlton’s academy in 2011.
But Jenkinson only featured 41 times in the Premier League during an eight-year span as he consistently failed to live up to expectations.
The right-back was loaned out to West Ham (twice) abnd Birmingham.
But in 2019, the Gunners cut their losses and sold Jenkinson permanently to Nottingham Forest.
Since joining, he has made just nine Championship appearances.
KIERAN GIBBS
Kieran Gibbs is back in the Premier League with West BromCredit: PA:Press Association
Current club: West Brom
Age: 31
Market value: £2.9m
WHEN Arsenal lost Gael Clichy to title-chasing Manchester City in 2011, Wenger barely batted an eyelash – knowing he had a ‘ready-made’ first-teamer in Gibbs.
But injuries – and the 2013 arrival of club icon Nacho Monreal – limited his chances.
Gibbs was sold to West Brom in 2017, where he was relegated in his debut season.
The left-back is now back in the Premier League after the Baggies were promoted at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.
Theo Walcott makes emotional Southampton return 14-years after leaving for Arsenal in loan transfer from Everton
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
