Domestically, it has been a season to forget for Arsenal and whether they continue to achieve European glory or not, it is clear that Mikel Arteta has a job to shape his squad.
The Gunners may not be able to spend as much as they would like in the summer window of 2021, but with many exits expected, there could be quite staff turnover in north London.
Europa League glory and subsequent Champions League qualification will not detract from the work that needs to be done, but it could help Arsenal realize what needs to change to permanently return to the top of domestic and continental football.
Ryan is currently on loan from Brighton Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
Bernd Leno (KEEP) – The club’s main goalkeeper and with quite a long distance. There have been questions about some aspects of his game, mainly driven by those who wanted the club to keep Emiliano Martinez but he is definitely worth sticking to.
Maty Ryan (KEEP) – Currently on loan from Brighton, the Australian is a capable second. His contract on the south coast expires at the end of the season and given that he will be available on a free transfer, it would make sense to sign him.
Runar Alex Runarsson (SELL) – From the day he arrived in north London, he has looked from his depths. An academy candidate can do an equally good job and would not be such a drain on the club’s resources.
David Luiz’s contract expires this summer | Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
David Luiz (KEEP) – He has his critics, but David Luiz is Arsenal’s best central defender. At the age of 33, the Brazilian does not represent the club’s long-term future – but it is worth giving him a new contract for his leadership skills alone.
Rob Holding (SELL) – Came close to leaving the club last summer and when everyone is in shape, Holding is clearly not the first choice. Is a salable asset and considering the number of midfielders in the club, it should happen.
William Saliba (KEEP) – Surprisingly, apart from Arteta, the young Frenchman is currently on loan at OGC Nice. However, Arsenal made a huge investment in the 20-year-old, so it is only right that Saliba will return to show what he can do.
Gabriel (KEEP) – Has not looked as formidable as he did during the previous part of the season but Gabriel has all the attributes to continue and become a very good midfielder.
Pablo Mari (KEEP) – Has been limited to only seven Premier League matches this season, but looks confident in the heart of the defense. Maybe not a starter but a very competent squad player.
Calum Chambers (KEEP) – The former Southampton man’s ability to fill in with fullback or on defensive midfield makes him a useful player to keep.
Dinos Mavropanos (SELL) – Currently on loan in Germany, this is Mavropano’s second season away from the club. With so many ahead of them in the central defenders’ picking order, Arsenal would be wise to make money.
Bellerin has been linked with a move from Arsenal | Sebastian Frej / MB Media / Getty Images
Kieran Tierney (KEEP) – An outstanding player in this current group and one of Arteta’s generals on the field. Tierney’s training record is worrying and a skilled substitute is required when he is unavailable.
Hector Bellerin (SELL) – If you are to believe the reports, Bellerin has his heart set on moving from Emirates Stadium. There was interest in the Spaniard last season from PSG, and if that is still the case, it’s time to divorce.
Cedric Soares (KEEP) – Always does a good job when he is played in his preferred right back position. Has surprised many with its texture and deserves to stay.
Sead Kolasinac (RELEASE) – The writing was on the wall for Kolasinac though Arsenal sent him out on loan. Has one year left on his contract but an early termination agreement seems likely.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (SELL) – Clearly sees his future in the middle of the midfield rather than on the pitch. Unfortunately, he has never proved good enough in that position. A valuable asset to make money on.
Xhaka’s Arsenal career has turned Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Granit Xhaka (KEEP) – Xhaka is often made a scapegoat when things have gone wrong, often treated harshly by the club’s supporters. The reality is that he is extremely important to Arsenal and they can not maintain the prospect of selling.
Thomas Partey (KEEP) – We have not seen the best of Ghanaian yet, largely due to injuries, but after spending 45 million pounds on Partey last summer, it is quite obvious that he will stay.
Mohamed Elneny (SELL) – Egypt is simply not good enough and is someone that Arsenal should look to upgrade to. An honest, hard-working individual but lacks the talent to nail down a common place in midfield.
Dani Ceballos (RELEASE) – He blew hot and cold from the day he arrived in north London. Given the club’s financial situation and his inconsistency, Arsenal should not continue a permanent deal after his Real Madrid loan expires.
Arsenal are likely to launch a bid to sign Odegaard | Julian Finney / Getty Images
Martin Odegaard (KEEP) – There is no doubt that the Norwegian has given Gunners midfield a creative spark since he arrived. Signing him on a permanent contract should be a priority, but it can be difficult to persuade Real Madrid to do business.
Emile Smith Rowe (KEEP) – A bright young talent who has made a significant impact during the second half of the season. Odegaard’s arrival has removed some of the pressure from the 20-year-old and he continues to impress.
Joe Willock (SELL) – Is not at the level required to take Arsenal where they want to go, and a permanent sale would be best for both parties.
Lacazette will soon enter the final year of his Arsenal contract | Visionhaus / Getty Images
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (KEEP) – Has had some difficult spots this season but it would cost a fortune (which Arsenal does not have) to upgrade on him. That being said, given his age and decline in form, it may be an option to sell him – at the right price.
Alexandre Lacazette (SELL) – Soon to enter the last year of his contract, Arsenal would be wrong to offer the Frenchman an extension. Lacazette’s goal return since arriving from Lyon has been okay, but it’s time to look at the long term.
Nicolas Pepe (KEEP) – There’s a quality player in there somewhere, but maybe not worth the £ 72 million Arsenal paid for Pepe. The Ivorian needs more regular minutes to show what he can do completely.
Bukayo Saka (KEEP) – Probably Arsenal’s most consistent player this season, the 19-year-old has been a revelation.
Willian (SELL) – The signing of the former Chelsea star has not worked as Edu or Arteta would have hoped. He has not yet scored a goal for the club and should move on if someone takes him.
Gabriel Martinelli (KEEP) – A fan favorite and an exciting young talent, Martinelli has fought for playing time since he returned from injury but it is clear that he has a great future.
Reiss Nelson (SELL) – Obviously not part of Arteta’s plans, Nelson has to fly the nest and get a regular gig elsewhere. It is in the interest of all parties if the 21-year-old is sold this summer.
Eddie Nketiah (SELL) – Started this season full of Arteta confidence, but has fallen out of favor in recent months. Should be sold after the news that …
Folarin Balogun (KEEP) – … Arsenal may have finally tied Balogun to a new deal. A real sniper young talent, he looks to be the one – along with Martinelli – who can step up to the desired level. Now he only needs games under his belt.
