Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: Assessing whether to keep, sell or loan every squad member

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-2 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-2 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Full-Backs

Arsenal, Nuno
Kieran Tierney’s poor injury record saw Nuno Tavares play half of Arsenal’s games last season. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images) /

Cedric Soares – SELL – Cedric rounded off a tumultuous campaign with an excellent strike against Everton. But, the right-back was a liability at times last season.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – KEEP – His injury record is a concern, but Tomiyasu is the ideal Arteta full-back.

Kieran Tierney – KEEP – See above.

Nuno Tavares – KEEP – He has his flaws, but Tavares has his uses too. The left-back is incredibly dynamic, and I don’t expect him to be sold this summer.

Centre-Backs

Arsenal, Bob
Arsenal’s defence made stark improvements during the first half of last season. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Gabriel – KEEP – Juventus are said to be keen on the Brazilian defender, but I don’t envisage Gabriel moving on unless the Bianconeri offer a mammoth sum for his services. There’s still plenty of room for growth.

Rob Holding – KEEP – His North London Derby disaster undermined a season in which he made notable improvements. Holding is a useful low block defender and I think Arteta will want to have him around despite the likely return of William Saliba.

Ben White – KEEP – The signing of White was criticised by many, but the England international proved any doubters wrong with a stellar debut season. His versatility and ball-playing ability mean he fits like a glove in Arteta’s system.

Continued on the next slide…