3 loan players Arsenal should sell in the summer
By Krish Ajmani
As the 2022/23 Premier League season comes to an end, thoughts inevitably turn to the potential of the transfer window. Who does Mikel Arteta want? Which players could he buy? How will the squad look at the end? This last question cannot be answered without addressing another part of squad building: selling players.
Arteta has spoken about the need to be ruthless in the past. This ruthlessness must continue in the summer.
While players in the first team at Arsenal immediately come to mind, the club also have multiple players on loan that could be sold for a profit. While they may not bring in as much money as selling starters or first-choice bench options, their sales would still help sign more expensive players.
3 loan players Arsenal should sell in the summer
Here are three loan players Arsenal should sell in the summer.
1. Alex Runarsson
When thinking of positions that need reinforcement, goalkeeper would certainly not be one of them. Aaron Ramsdale has performed admirably at the back, saving Arsenal time and time again. His shot-stopping has been solid but his ability on the ball is what makes him indispensable. And with Ramsdale signing a new contract, there is little doubt that the club views him as their first-choice keeper moving forward.
A player who was initially thought to be Ramsdale’s opposite, a better shot-stopper but limited on the ball, Matt Turner, has also impressed this season. His level of comfort in possession has developed massively since he joined the club, cementing his place as a safe second-choice keeper. Further down the line are youngsters like Arthur Okonkwo and Karl Hein. While Arsenal seem well-stocked in this department, sales will need to be made. One of them should be Alex Runarsson.
The team has grown past him in a very short period of time. Runarsson’s inexpensive transfer fee and little-known reputation always gave him the feeling of a gamble. His move has not quite worked out but Arsenal still stand to profit handsomely. Even if they recoup the measly £2m transfer fee, the transfer has done little harm. All the best to him.
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