Arsenal coach, Unai Emery, has much to contemplate after the season is concluded and there will, no doubt, be a flurry of activity in the summer, with additions likely and a host of outgoings.
Just who will remain is subject to conjecture but there are a few candidates that come to mind and a few that are borderline decisions. The fans have been debating a number of players for a while on social media and certain candidates keep appearing on the list.
So, let’s trudge through the names and I’ll add my ten pence worth, of who is likely to stay, who’s likely to be pushed off the plank and who may just survive. With Cech’s retirement, Leno is the obvious number one choice but do we need another keeper? We have Emiliano Martinez, Matt Macey and Dejan Iliev at present, all of which are due to end their contracts this year.
We do need a solid, seasoned reserve keeper for the right price and I assume that Ospina will finally part company. Burnley’s Nick Pope has been suggested(as per Sun) and that would probably mean two of the three other keepers moving on. Of those listed, I’d stick with Macey, who seems far more likely to make the grade, with Iliev as my second option.
Now, in terms of outgoings let’s look at who we don’t need, who can do without and those barely hanging on by their white knuckles. One name that comes to mind would be Mohamed Elneny, who has never really established himself under two managers. He’s seen more as a squad player than a first choice and just doesn’t fit Emery’s or Arsenal’s profile.
Moving on, Shkodran Mustafi, who promised so much, really needs to salvage his career elsewhere. The problem with the German is his inability to see danger and his biggest downfall is his recklessness. He spends more time on the grass than the pitch sprinklers and never truly looks comfortable as a central defender. For someone of his experience, he lacks that certain assertiveness and quality.
Others that need to go are Carl Jenkinson who appears to have absolutely no chance of anchoring a permanent position in the team. Callum Chambers, despite giving a good account of himself at Fulham, he may well have kicked his last ball for Arsenal. Stephan Lichsteiner also needs to be dispatched because of his lack of pace and quality
Koscielny and Monreal may just edge another season. It’s clear that their Arsenal days are numbered but the lack of finances may help their cause. Aaron Ramsey is off to Italy after his well-documented contract fiasco but that presents an opportunity for others including academy players.
Xhaka may have just done enough to survive but next term, he may need to be more consistent and rid himself of the errors that taint some of his stronger performances. Mesut Ozil divides opinion but which club will even entertain the idea of paying that huge salary. In this case, Emery may have to let the clock run down on the midfielders Arsenal career, due to expire in 2021.
The only realistic avenue would be America of Japan but his value has depreciated this term along with his dwindling appearances. I’d stick with him until next summer and give him one last chance to make a case for himself. Denis Suarez could be on his way out of the Emirates unless he plays a big part in the remaining games of Arsenal’s campaign.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has done enough since his return from injury to suggest his worth and he could be vital to the Gunners new look next season. Danny Welbeck is surely done at Arsenal and had he not become injured, he would already be in another colour shirt.
Only a miracle can save his Arsenal career.
On a more positive note, the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Cohen Bramall, Joe Willock, Bukaya Sako And Ben Sheaf are all highly fancied to feature more regularly, with the first two almost seen as regular first-team players because of their appearances this season. With a few key additions, the north London club could be set for a decent second season under Unai Emery.
