Arsenal: 3 players to offload regardless of Premier League finish

2. Granit Xhaka

Next on the list may perhaps be the most polarizing player to ever kick a ball.

Rash and nervy at times, while solid and consistent at others, fans have always been divided over the question that is Xhaka. Yet the summer will mark the right time for him to secure a transfer away.

Arteta’s tinkering of tactics has seen the Swiss international play further up the pitch, becoming a left-sided No. 8. The change has coincided with the Gunners’ vastly improved form, which the midfielder deserves huge credit for, although there are still certain improvements that are there to be had in the position. Xhaka does not have the physical profile to contribute effectively in his new position.

"“It’s a different position, I think it’s not my first different position in this club, I’ve played already many positions in this club!” Xhaka said of his positional change. “I’m enjoying it because I’m on the pitch, that’s the most important thing and after I try to help the team wherever the coach puts me and at the moment it’s working very well.”"

His words are professional, but does he truly enjoy it?

His defensive frailties are hidden away but the system doesn’t play to his strengths. Xhaka is being asked to do a lot of things that his skillset not particularly built to. An upgrade is needed in the summer, whether or not Arsenal make top four.

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