Just a thought, but Arsenal might be playing hardball with ESR because they have a lad coming through called Charlie Patino, who by all accounts is potentially a special, special, talent. Charlie can play anywhere in midfield, from a deeper role right through to a 10, and he was given his first professional contract last season. I know Charlie's uncle who sends us all the reports etc. Not saying Arsenal want to let ESR go, but they might be hardballing him over the contract because there is another talent coming through.