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5 players whose Arsenal careers are on the line this season
- There are five players who face a make-or-break campaign for the Gunners
Arsenal are heading into another season under Mikel Arteta and are likely to be involved in a third consecutive title race.
As a result, every player will be expected to perform to the best of their ability whenever they are called upon. There are five players whose Arsenal careers are on the line this season so will have to ensure they are up to scratch.
This list does not take into account players that could still leave during this transfer window or those who are likely to leave upon the expiration of their contracts next summer. Due to this, the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Thomas Partey are not included.
1. Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus was brought to Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and despite starting his Gunners career well, he has failed to answer the club's striker problems. The Brazilian suffered a huge drop in form in his second season at the club, scoring just eight goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.
That is no where near good enough for a striker playing at Premier League level, even if Jesus is not a natural goalscorer. Despite having shown improvements during pre-season, Jesus' Arsenal career is still very much at stake this campaign if he does not show up when it matters.
The club were reported to be open to selling him this summer and that will most certainly be the case again next year if he does not improve, especially with Arsenal likely to target a top quality striker next summer.
2. Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli enjoyed a stellar 2022-23 campaign but failed to replicate this last season. He scored just six goals in 35 Premier League appearances, massively inferior to his 15 in 36 a year prior.
He looked to have really struggled at times last season but still has incredible potential, especially considering he has only recently turned 23 years old. Regardless of his potential however, he must step up his game this season.
Arsenal were initially targeting a winger this summer but this priority is reported to have been pushed to next summer. As a result, Martinelli must improve this season or he will face being replaced by a new arrival next year.
3. Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko's ability to attack and invert into midfield from left back has greatly improved Arsenal's system since his arrival from Man City in 2022. However, his poor defensive ability has made him a liability, having let his side down on several important occassions over the past two years.
The Ukraine international improved in pre-season but will still need to better his all-round game this season or he will face the chopping block next summer.
Zinchenko's place in the Arsenal team is now under even greater threat due to the arrival of more complete defender Riccardo Calafiori this summer. He will no doubt have to improve this season or he will be moved on.
4. Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard has been at Arsenal for a season and a half and has enjoyed a good career with the club so far. Having often displaced Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing since joining, he scored 17 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions last season.
Despite his brilliant performances, Trossard could suffer a natural decline in ability and fitness this season given he turns 30 in December. He will need to try fight this in order to keep up his good form.
Trossard faces the threat of being sold in favour of a younger and better winger next summer so will have to prove to Mikel Arteta that age is just a number and that he is more than capable of continuing to play at the top level.
5. Fabio Vieira
Fabio Vieira has really failed to make an impact since joining Arsenal from Porto in 2022. He has underwhelmed during his time at the club, scoring just three goals and providing nine assists in 49 appearances.
Despite showing glimpses of his ability, he has struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League and has also suffered with injury problems during his time in England. Many expected him to be loaned out or sold this summer but he looks to be staying put in North London for this season.
Vieira will really have to improve this season or will most definitely be sold next summer. Players can only be given so much time before being labelled a genuine flop and shipped off.
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