Arsenal: 3 transfers to be completed before signings

The transfer window for Arsenal is off to a fairly solid start in regards to additions. But due to the sheer amount of overhaul that the squad needs to undergo, much more has yet to be done.

Transfers for young backups with potential have been secured in Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga, and a first team starter in Ben White made his long-awaited £50m move.

The midfield position is one that may see much chopping and changing before the start of the season. Before incoming players can be brought in, however, players must be sold. A bloated squad is both a drain on financial resources and clogging up valuable squad space.

Additionally, the distractions that come from unhappy players not getting minutes should be avoided in a season that may be crucial in setting Arsenal up for future success.

Arsenal: 3 transfers to be completed before signings as Mikel Arteta sees worrying team lose 2-1 to Chelsea in Mind Series friendly

Seeing a team that may be very similar to that which will start the Premier League season in the defeat against Chelsea, there is no doubting that there needs to be substantial change.

Here are three player sales that Mikel Arteta and Edu should focus on before the next, hopefully, wave of transfers.

3. Granit Xhaka

The transfer saga around Granit Xhaka and Roma’s courting of him has been ongoing since before the start of the Euros. It appeared as if Arsenal and Xhaka were reaching a natural parting of ways with the club ready to move on and secure other transfers. Equally, the Swiss was ready for a change of scenery and a new challenge, yet these rumors appear to have dried up – he even scored against the Blues on Sunday.

Roma was unwilling to pay the full amount that Arsenal valued the Swiss midfielder at. In light of this, Arsenal have reversed their stance, offering Xhaka a new contract extension.

Many fans have been left scratching their heads – and understandably so. How can a club in a lengthy rebuilding process supposed to advance while keeping the same under-performing pieces? It is not as if the midfielder is an unknown quantity. Both his strengths and weaknesses have been on full display since he donned the red and white.

Glittering displays of pinpoint passing and positional discipline have been dampened by dismal displays of defending and mindless errors. While Xhaka has certainly improved and offered a level of consistency to Arteta’s midfield, his quality will not raise Arsenal’s level. He will not help them challenge for the top four, much less league titles and a hopeful return to the Champions League.

Names like Houssem Aouar and, more recently, Bruno Guimaraes have been linked to north London: younger, hungrier and, quite simply, better players are available. It is time for Arsenal to move on.

2. Mohamed Elneny

Yet another midfielder makes the list for outgoing transfers that should be completed. Mohamed Elneny has been a loyal servant to the club and while perhaps lacking in quality, he is a positive presence around the team and always willing to contribute in any way he can.

His professional attitude and his energetic engine – plus the occasional screamer from the edge of the box – have endeared him to fans and coaches alike. It is high time, however, for Arteta to show the ruthlessness he has spoken of previously.

Like Xhaka, Elneny is simply not at the standard required to elevate this team. His passing is not progressive and he can’t contribute any significant amount of goals. More importantly, he is one of the few dispensable players at the club. With Joe Willock and now Albert Sambi Lokonga chomping at the bit and youngsters like Miguel Azeez and Charlie Patino waiting in the wings, Elneny’s sale makes sense.

While not exorbitant, a solid chunk of change could be brought in to put towards a backup goalkeeper or a right-back, while leaving a clear path for the next generation of midfielders at the club.

While it may be harsh given the Egyptian’s better-than-expected season, tough decisions need to be made.

1. Sead Kolasinac

It is remarkable that Sead Kolasinac is still at the club: high wages, poor on-field performances and clearly not being in the manager’s plans have made the Bosnian’s situation somewhat bizarre. Although those may be the exact reasons he is still here.

His January loan move to Schalke 04 seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for a permanent move in the summer. Not yet.

While it was unlikely that the German side would be able to afford his salary as they edged ever closer to relegation, it was believed that interest would arrive from somewhere, with the Bundesliga being a natural options.

Months later, Kolasinac is still present in every training video published by the Arsenal media team and even played at the Emirates against Chelsea. The left-back’s continued inclusion in the team raises even more questions when considering Arsenal’s recent business.

The now-completed transfer of Nuno Tavares was meant to provide a young backup to the clear starter, Kieran Tierney. In light of this, Kolasinac’s own position as the backup is redundant. Getting another decent transfer fee while eliminating costly wages is the natural next move.

Arsenal’s squad is sure to undergo more transfers. Outgoing transfers and their importance, however, should not be overlooked in favor of expensive, new shiny signings. Arteta and Edu have much more work to do before this window can be called a success.