Arsenal: The case for selling each and every player this summer
By Josh Sippie
Sokratis
Sokratis has a very specific role at Arsenal. He is a No. 2 centerback, and some wonder if that is even the right role. He is most certainly not a No. 1. When he is tasked with anchoring the defense, he is most often the absolute wrong guy for the job. But him next to an actual No. 1, like a fit Laurent Koscielny, and he gets the job done.
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Which is nice, but at the same time, it isn’t enough. This defense needs a lot of help, and Sokratis’ biggest help next year is going to be in a complimentary role as he continues to age. Another year in the Premier League might see him a lot worse for the wear and many think he may be better off as a rotational option on the defense, and nothing more.
But then again, isn’t that what Koscielny is going to be? We know Koscielny can’t play every match, he’s too beaten up.
Meaning that Sokratis could be an unlikely candidate to be shipped off for a smaller fee solely to clear space on the club for actual, needed help.
I like Sokratis a lot the longer the season went on, but he also has a propensity for some bone-headed plays, usually on the mental side of things as well. That said, here are the facts:
Will we sell? No.
Should we sell? Maybe.
Ideal transfer fee: £12m
And since we are already talking about him, let’s move on to the captain.