Arsenal finished the 2020/2021 season on a rather disappointing note, as they failed to win a trophy, and also missed out on European football. If the club wants to recover in the upcoming season, they need to have a successful summer transfer window.
Failure to get things right in the transfer market could see the Gunners struggle next season and of course, might lead to the sacking of the manager, Mikel Arteta. Admirably, the Gunners have shown rare intensity and urgency in the transfer market which has seen the club sign two players in quick succession.
Despite these commendable moves in the transfer market, there is still an important task of selling some players to raise funds that can be utilised to bring in other targets. Here are four players who Arsenal should let go of this summer.
SEAD KOLASINAC
When Kolasinac joined Arsenal on a free transfer from Schalke 04, it was considered a steal because the Bosnian international offered something different in the left-back role.
In all fairness to Sead Kolasinac, he was outstanding in his early spell with the club that made him a key figure for the team. Yet, his slight tactical deficiencies and limited technique have made his relevance at the club dip.
The nail to the coffin of Kolasinac’s spell at Arsenal was the emergence of Kieran Tierney who was highly talented and technically sound, which led to the former Schalke 04 player spend more time on the bench. Mikel Arteta sanctioned a loan deal for Kolasinac last season, despite the fact that he was the only recognisable senior left back who could deputise for Tierney is something that cannot be ignored.
Also, the bold decision by Arsenal to sign young Portuguese left-back, Nuno Tavares has further raised the dust of uncertainty on the future of Kolasinac at the club. Age is not on his side, and selling him in this summer transfer window would be a win-win situation for both club and player.
ALEX RUNARSSON
The Icelandic international was expected to be a long-term replacement for Bernd Leno, after he was signed from French Ligue 1 last season. Sadly, a terrible and disastrous performance in the Carabao Cup obviously gave Mikel Arteta more than enough reasons to put him on the sidelines.
We should consider how Alex did admirably well for the Gunners during the early stages of the UEFA Europa League last season and the youngster might still get a second chance to prove himself at the club.
AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES
The story of Maitland-Niles at Arsenal started when he caught the attention, admiration and praises of former manager, Arsene Wenger after a sterling display in centre midfield. He had the speed, flawless abilities to read games and exciting energy to keep things moving in the middle of the park.
Then, a spate of injuries at the club saw Maitland Niles being asked to play as emergency right full back, winger and even as a wing back where he did admirably well. That was the start of the slow deterioration of Niles, as he never really had any chance to develop as a midfielder but continued to play as a versatile player for the Emirates club.
Yet, Niles has often wanted and wished to play in his preferred central role which he might never get at the north London club which could lead to his exit from the club this summer. He could become a fringe player for the club next season and must discuss his plans with Mikel Arteta. Interestingly, he is not short of admirers and the club could easily cash in on the England international.
EDDIE NKETIAH
Eddie began his Arsenal career in a promising fashion, as someone destined to be a long-term option for the club after graduating from the academy. He was expected to be a terrific goalscorer, but he dipped in form and confidence last season.
The all-time top goalscorer for England’s U-21 side would have to accept the fact that an exit might help rejuvenate his career. Eddie has a bright future, but it doesn’t really look like it is at Arsenal football club. We can only imagine any of the Premier League newly promoted sides, taking a chance on a player who never fulfilled the huge promises expected of him at Arsenal.
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