3 squad players Arsenal should sell in the summer transfer window

Arsenal’s squad has largely outperformed expectations this season.

Originally thought to challenge for the top four, the team has been top of the table for much of the campaign, with Manchester City only recently taking the top spot. In recent weeks, however, Arsenal’s lack of depth has reared its head. Injuries to key players and a lack of suitable replacements have disrupted the side.

While inexperience has also certainly played a role, there is no doubt that a fully fit squad would have been more competitive in recent games. The issue is quality as well as fitness. The players who are on the bench may well be starters elsewhere but simply do not fit the playing style implemented by Mikel Arteta. This exacerbates on-field concerns instead of addressing them.

Some of the players in the squad are academy products. Others offer a ‘good presence in the dressing room’. The latter is one of the most cliché and pointless criteria by which to judge a player. Those in the dressing room do need to be leaders but also need to push their teammates and constantly be hungry. Arteta has done remarkably well to manage the wage bill and phase out underperforming players. The summer transfer window provides another opportunity for him to continue doing so.

3 squad players Arsenal should sell in the summer transfer window

Here are three players Arsenal should sell in the summer transfer window.

1. Reiss Nelson

The Hale End crop that came up a few years ago included exceptional players. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah came through the academy system together. Only one of these players has yet to fully break through and nail down a spot in the squad. Reiss Nelson should be let go in the summer with his contract running down.

The Englishman has come off of the bench to great effect in the past. Yet there is a reason he has not garnered significant minutes with the first team. He is simply not of the quality needed for an Arsenal side looking to elevate their level to new heights. Nelson is comfortable on the ball and can play on either wing. He has, however, suffered from a lack of end product at times.

To compound questions over his ability are questions over his availability. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, leaving fans and staff wondering if he can be trusted. There is no doubt that Nelson is a good player. The time for only good players has gone. The club must search out great players, those who can make a difference whenever called upon. Those in the squad must also push the first eleven. Nelson does not do this enough to be a part of the squad beyond this summer.

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