Arsenal are on the verge of historic success but the Gunners must still address clear squad weaknesses this summer to stay ahead of the chasing pack next season
This summer presents Arsenal with the opportunity to not only reflect on an incredibly successful season but to also make decisive changes as they prepare for the next campaign. Mikel Arteta‘s side are just five matches away from potentially claiming a historic league and European cup double.
The Gunners sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand, with only three fixtures remaining for Arsenal themselves.
They are also on the verge of their first Champions League final appearance since 2006 ahead of Tuesday night’s second-leg clash with Atletico Madrid, having secured a 1-1 draw in Spain in the first-leg.
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But despite Arsenal’s excellence on the pitch this term, there have been clear weaknesses and aspects which require improvement. Here, Mirror Football examines who the Gunners should keep or part ways with from their current squad as they look to build on their progress next season.
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In goal
David Raya – Keep. Raya has established himself as not just one of the Premier League’s but Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers this season. The Spaniard is usually faultless with his distribution and produces crucial saves whenever called upon. Raya is set to collect a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – Keep. Kepa’s game time since his move to Arsenal last summer has been restricted to domestic cup matches. He mainly proved reliable between the sticks in those appearances, though his costly error in the Carabao Cup final undoubtedly stands out as a major blunder. Even so, should the Spaniard be happy serving as understudy to his compatriot, Arsenal should retain the former Chelsea goalkeeper, considering how rare experienced and reliable goalkeepers are in the modern game.
Tommy Setford – Keep. The 20-year-old Dutchman’s only outing this campaign came in the FA Cup clash against Wigan in February, when he replaced Kepa. Given his youth and potential, Arteta should hang onto the youngster and see how he develops while learning directly from two Premier League veterans.
In defence
Jurrien Timber – Keep. Timber’s recent injury problems shouldn’t overshadow just how impressive he was earlier this season, especially before Christmas, when he was regularly hailed as one of the league’s finest full-backs. Frighteningly, he is still just 24 with room to improve. The only danger is Arteta overplaying the Netherlands international, which leads neatly to the next player…
Ben White – Sell. White has been an outstanding servant since arriving for £50million in 2021, fully justifying that controversial fee. However, it has become increasingly apparent that the England international’s peak years are behind him following a succession of injuries. The 28-year-old, once among Arteta’s most relied-upon players, has appeared sluggish since returning from his latest setback, and Arteta should explore the market for a replacement capable of sharing the workload with Timber without any dip in quality.
Cristhian Mosquera – Keep. It is extraordinary how quickly the 21-year-old centre-back has adapted to English football. Having recently earned his first Spain cap, he stands as one of Arsenal’s most astute signings in recent memory, snapped up for just £13m last summer. For the time being, he offers superb cover at both centre-back and right-back. Whether he will remain content in a supporting role over the coming seasons is yet to be seen, though his current trajectory suggests he could command a hefty transfer fee.
William Saliba – Keep. Saliba has arguably been the best central defender on the planet for three years running, making him an indispensable figure in the current Arsenal side. The Frenchman, frequently likened to a Rolls Royce for his effortless defensive ability and composure in possession, recently put pen to paper on a deal until 2030, and is expected to remain at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.
Gabriel Magalhaes – Keep. Gabriel started this campaign as arguably Arsenal’s standout performer, playing a pivotal role in the side that went several matches without allowing even a shot on target, while scoring slam-dunk-like headers from corners at the other end. At 28 years old, he still has plenty of years remaining at the highest level. And while his performances have plateaued since January, the Brazilian remains one of the first names on the team sheet.
Marli Salmon – Keep. The 16-year-old wonderkid has featured on a handful of occasions this term. While his costly mistake against Mansfield Town showed he is still raw, he is seen as the best defender produced by the academy since Ashley Cole, meaning he is expected to be handed more playing time next season.
Riccardo Calafiori – Keep. Calafiori, when fit, is among the best players in the world in his position. That was clear once more at the weekend against Fulham, where the Italian could have comfortably netted twice despite playing at left-back. The only concern surrounding Calafiori is his extensive injury record, but his talent means he is important for Arsenal to move on, for now.
Piero Hincapie – Buy. For a player whose arrival left many Arsenal supporters scratching their heads at the start of the season, the Bayer Leverkusen loanee has produced an outstanding maiden season in north London. The Ecuadorian has won over both Arteta and the fanbase with his no-nonsense defending and tireless effort. The 24-year-old arrived on loan with an option to buy for approximately £45m, and Arsenal are fully expected to activate the five-year clause to secure his services permanently this summer.
In midfield
Declan Rice – Keep. Arguably the Premier League’s standout performer this season. The chant, “Declan Rice, we got him half price”, continues to resonate despite him being the Gunners’ record signing. Rice, 27, has been dominant throughout the campaign, whether operating as an ‘eight’ or as a ‘six’, stifling opposition attacks with ease and fully embracing his responsibilities as a dressing room leader.
Martin Zubimendi – Keep. The Spaniard was perhaps misunderstood by supporters and possibly even Arteta when he arrived last summer. Many expected him to be Arsenal’s equivalent to Rodri, whereas N’Golo Kante serves as a more accurate comparison. While that has occasionally been a source of disappointment, Zubimendi has featured in every league fixture this season and demonstrated why Liverpool and Real Madrid were so eager to secure his signature.
Christian Norgaard – Sell. The Norgaard signing is perhaps one of the most baffling Arsenal transfers in recent times. On paper, the former Brentford man’s Premier League experience made him a shrewd addition. Yet, Arteta hasn’t started him in a single league fixture, showing a clear mistrust in his abilities. Arsenal should therefore look to cash in on the Danish veteran this summer to raise funds for a more suitable central midfielder.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Keep. The England international has suffered a challenging campaign, spending much of it on the substitutes’ bench following a breakthrough year last season. He was finally given his chance on Saturday, featuring in his first Premier League outing in his natural central midfield role and producing a commanding display. The 19-year-old ranks among the best teenage talents in his position, something Arteta appears to have only just recognised as the season draws to a close. Despite any temptation to part ways with him this summer, his potential firmly places him in the ‘must-keep bracket’.
Mikel Merino – Keep. Merino’s prolonged spell on the side-lines with a freak foot injury has had a detrimental effect on Arsenal’s season. The Spaniard, when available, provides valuable cover across multiple positions and an unexpected goal threat.
Ethan Nwaneri – Sell. While there’s no questioning Nwaneri’s ability, something is clearly holding the 19-year-old back from establishing himself as a regular starter. That’s apparent from both Arteta and his current Marseille manager’s team selections this season. Nwaneri’s disappointing stint in France means they’re unlikely to pursue a permanent deal. But, given Arteta’s hesitance to deploy him even prior to his loan move, Arsenal should sell the Hale End graduate and reinvest the funds elsewhere.
Eberechi Eze – Keep. Eze has quietly enjoyed a superb campaign in his first season back at Arsenal since his academy days. His dream homecoming began slowly but he’s grown into his role as the season has unfolded, netting crucial goals and establishing himself as one of the few players at Arteta’s disposal capable of conjuring a moment of brilliance from nowhere.
Martin Odegaard – Sell. The Arsenal project has outgrown the captain. Odegaard, for several seasons now, has appeared a pale imitation of his former self. While still vital in the press and useful when dictating tempo, his creativity and finishing leave much to be desired. His displays no longer warrant his wages or lofty status at the club. For that reason, the Norwegian should either be demoted to a substitute role or sold for a substantial fee.
Max Dowman – Keep. Selling England’s finest young prospect would be a catastrophic misjudgement by Arsenal. Fortunately, such a move appears unlikely in the foreseeable future. The 16-year-old has shown exactly why he is so highly-rated in his various cameos this season and will be a key player for the Gunners in the near future.
In attack
Bukayo Saka – Keep. Saka will know that this season has fallen short of his own lofty standards. However, his performance against Fulham, where he scored and provided an assist, proved he still has a clinical edge in the attacking third that nobody else in the squad can replicate. The England international, aged just 24, is expected to remain Arsenal’s leading light for at least the next five years.
Noni Madueke – Keep. Alternating between dazzling and exasperating, Madueke has split opinion following his contentious move from Chelsea. The 24-year-old England winger has started more matches than expected this season owing to Saka’s injury setbacks, yet he provides squad depth and a game-changing quality off the bench – something Arsenal had been missing for several years.
Kai Havertz – Keep. Frustrating injury problems aside, Havertz has shown he is still a key cog in the Arsenal attack whenever he has played this season. The German possesses outstanding all-round play, even if his finishing can sometimes let him down.
Viktor Gyokeres – Keep. Gyokeres is perhaps the biggest enigma in the entire Arsenal squad. The Swede is clearly a level below his team-mates in terms of technical quality, yet he has 21 goals to his name, having largely delivered on what he was brought in to do. The encouraging sign for Arteta is that Gyokeres has grown as the season has progressed, meaning he could become even more potent next term.
Gabriel Jesus – Sell. Jesus should be the first player sold this summer given his persistent injury problems. The Brazilian is no longer capable of providing the same spark in the final third that he offered when he first arrived in N5.
Gabriel Martinelli – Keep. Martinelli’s trajectory at Arsenal has been a major letdown. The Brazilian has gone backwards since three seasons ago, despite his Champions League stats this campaign telling a different story. Arsenal should be open to reasonable offers for the Brazilian this summer. However, any bid received is likely to fall short of what it would cost to bring in someone of comparable quality in the transfer market, meaning the wiser option may be to hold onto Martinelli for the time being.
Leandro Trossard – Sell. Much like Martinelli, Trossard has failed to consistently deliver throughout the season. The Belgian is still capable of flashes of brilliance, as demonstrated at the weekend. However, the one advantage Martinelli holds over him is pace. Given Trossard is 31 years old, this summer represents the ideal opportunity to bid farewell to a player who has given everything for the Gunners and bring in a world-class left winger in his place.
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