Arsenal: 3 players to offload regardless of Premier League finish

1. Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe’s inclusion on this list is one that arises out of necessity. Arteta has done an exceptional job of trimming the squad. Most of the players at the club have a role or will have a role to play in the near future. It was difficult to find needed outgoings due to the work of Arteta and Edu in the past few years, and while many have gone, Pepe remains.

The manager has spoken highly of Pepe and his skill on the ball is obvious. It is his consistency that continues to be questioned. With a more stable structure behind him and exceptional attacking players further up the pitch, Pepe should look dangerous every time he takes the pitch.

Although the winger has contributed and done well in some cameos, he looked flat against Watford in his brief cameo and is someone who needs to be starting matches.

Whether his performances would improve at Arsenal if given greater minutes is another question but which of Arsenal’s star attacking players would he replace? Gabriel Martinelli continues to grow into his new role and Bukayo Saka continues to dazzle week in and out week out.

Additionally, his inconsistency should no longer be an excuse. Emile Smith Rowe was placed on the bench after an untimely injury but continued to contribute towards the end of games. Pepe should be doing the same.

This inconsistency has been something that Arteta and co have had to deal with due to his long-term contract situation. Yet as the club turn to a brighter future plan, it may be wise to take any money that can be had for the Ivorian and find other alternatives.