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.

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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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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.