Arsenal: 3 players to offload regardless of Premier League finish

The evolution of this Arsenal squad in the past two years has been nothing short of incredible. Mikel Arteta has phased out old, content players with young and hungry fighters. No longer happy to collect massive paychecks, every player goes to war for each other, taking pride in themselves and their club.

Gone are the days of the ‘soft’ Arsenal squad.

More important than these somewhat intangible qualities are the marked improvements in quality. From front to back, the starting eleven has experienced drastic upgrades. The squad is better than it has been in years and the intelligent acquisition of developing talents has raised the potential ceiling.

Watching this fascinating mix of experienced players and growing youngsters, all extremely loveable in their own right, has been worth the price of admission. Other clubs have been built on more unsure footing and the lack of coherent strategy has caused them to buckle (and long may their downfall continue). This only serves to make Arsenal’s more sustainable mission that much greater to experience.

Arsenal: 3 players for Arteta and the Gunners to offload in the summer regardless of whether this finish in the Premier League top four this season

Arteta has used every transfer window to shape the squad with his vision in mind. A number of summer incomings has been balanced by winter outgoings. Although there are a number of important games until the end of the season, transfer speculation has already begun.

The magnitude of Arsenal’s window will be decided in part by where they complete their season. While a finish in the Europa League places will signal a move in the right direction, the draw of the Champions League is unparalleled.

Here are three players that should be moved on regardless of where Arsenal finish in the Premier League.

3. Mohamed Elneny

Arsenal’s midfield has shot up levels due to Thomas Partey’s timely uptick in form. The Ghanaian has thrived as a single pivot, relishing the responsibility bestowed upon him. Granit Xhaka, although he has not shone as bright as Partey, is an indisputable starter. Xhaka’s continued involvement in the squad can be attributed to a lack of acceptable options on the bench in that left No. 8 role.

Mohamed Elneny is one of the few senior midfielders still at the club. Off the pitch he is a true professional and has helped Arteta create the culture he desired. Nothing except complete commitment and hard work will be accepted. The argument would be followed by his negatives on the pitch, but he doesn’t make it there quite often.

Minutes have been highly limited for the Egyptian. He does not boast the technical nous to play as a single pivot and with a double pivot setup largely abandoned, it is the really the only place Elneny could fit in. Yet even as a double pivot, he is nowhere near the level required for a team to consistently challenge for top four.

Throw the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga (and even Patino and Azeez) into the fight for places and it is quite clear that Elneny is surplus to requirements. He has been a valuable servant to the club but it is time to turn away from a player who has rarely been more than average. It may sound harsh but Arteta will not create a powerhouse club by hanging onto good players; he must clear the way for world class ones.

With his contract up in the summer, no renewal is on the horizon.

Continued on next page…