Sell or Stay? - Arsenal.

In this post I will be reviewing the current Arsenal squad and giving my thoughts and opinions on their ability, weighing up whether I think Mikel Arteta should keep them next season, or sell them to allow funds for further improvement of the Arsenal team.

Goalkeepers:

• Bernd Leno - The German shot-stopper has been undoubtably one of Arsenal's best players since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018. Although at times his distribution has been one to question, the reflexes and saving ability Bernd has is second to none; in my opinion he is one of the best goalkeepers in the league. In addition, it is clear that he has improved on commanding his area under Mikel Arteta also. Only 28 so in the prime of his career. Bernd Leno is a definite KEEP!

• Emiliano Martinez - Into his 10th year at Arsenal, Emi is the longest serving Gunner in the squad. After numerous amounts of loans at the likes of Wolves, Getafe and Reading to name a few, the Argentine certainly has been patient in his wait to start in between the sticks for Arsenal. Since Leno's injury at Brighton, Emiliano has been absolutely fantastic, considering the pressure that has been put on him. An incredible shot stopper and distributer of the ball, he now gives Mikel Arteta a headache in regards to who claims the frequent goalkeeper position when Bernd returns from injury. Martinez is a certain KEEP!

Defenders:

• Hector Bellerin - The Spanish defender was tipped to become one of the world's best fullbacks, attracting interest from Spanish giants, Barcelona, a couple seasons ago. But since returning after a long term knee injury, Hector hasn't been the same as before. He's lost a few yards in regards to his pace, his confidence seems to have taken a hit, and he is less adventurous and daring going forwards- always seeming to play the safe sideways/backwards option. However, Hector is still relatively young and should be given another season to fully recover from his injury in hope he regains his form. KEEP!

• Shkodran Mustafi - After arriving from Valencia, Mustafi hasn't had the best of times as an Arsenal player. Although he is a World Cup winner with Germany, he is extremely prone to making mistakes, lapsing in concentration and often caught out of position which leads to an opposition goal. Having said that though, he definitely has improved under Arteta and is portraying his good aerial ability, passing range and desire to fight for the badge (not afraid to get stuck in). A portion of Arsenal fans would give him one more year under Arteta, given his age, to see if he can become the defender he once was tipped to be. But for me I don't see him becoming the world class defender that Arsenal need. SELL!

• Sokratis - Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, Sokratis showed the fight, determination and passion that Arsenal fans were craving for years. But recently the Greek international has fallen into poor form and looks to be ageing quickly, in addition it seems that he lacks to keep up with the pace of the Premier League. Furthermore, since Mikel Arteta's arrival, it seems Papa does not fit in the Spaniards tactical philosophy. SELL!

• David Luiz - Clearly a formidable winner having won all 3 of football's best competitions: the Premier League, Champions League and the World Cup. The Brazilian has come under recent scrutiny due to his poor performances which have led to Arsenal dropping vital points. After signing another 1-year deal, at a wage cut, Mikel Arteta must believe that David still has the ability to play top flight football for the Gunners. KEEP!

• Rob Holding - Came from Bolton with bags of potential and looked to be an integral part of Arsenal's defence, up until his recent ACL injury. He has since returned from the injury, but Rob doesn't look the same as he did before. In his recent games, he looks slower, more lethargic and out of position. However, Holding is still very young and I personally believe it wouldn't be right to sell him this soon after his injury (similar to Bellerin). LOAN!

• Calum Chambers - After his recent loans out at Middlesbrough and Fulham, Calum really looked like he matured into a centre-back/defensive midfielder role. But sadly, sustained a long term injury and isn't looking likely to feature any time soon. Chambers is decent on the ball and a great versatile squad player to have, also age is on his side. KEEP!

• Mavropanos - The young Greek defender has been putting in good performances in Germany for FC Nurnberg whilst on loan. These solid displays could attract interest from lower league clubs in which I think his ability suits. He had a small stint in the first team with Arsenal, but lacked to impress, unlike other youngsters who are now prominent first team players. With the arrival of Saliba coming into the defence now (who's of similar age) I believe selling Mavropanos could generate a decent amount of funds to go towards a world class centre-back like an Upamencano/Koulibaly/, which Arsenal need desperately. He has been loaned to Stuttgart for the new season. SELL!

• Kieran Tierney - The Scottsman has spent his early career at Arsenal mainly on the sidelines through an injury he sustained at West Ham. However he has since been back into the starting eleven and has undoubtably been one of Arsenal's best players. Fantastically composed, never shy to get stuck in, pinpoint crossing and leadership qualities that certainly have him on the shortlist for the future Arsenal captaincy. Should be one of the first names on the team sheet. One hundred percent KEEP!

• Sead Kolasinac - After arriving from Schalke a few seasons ago, Sead impressed Arsenal fans with his shear brutality and force on the left flank. However, persistent injuries has prevented the Bosnian from retaining good consistent form. He's on high wages as he came to the club on a free deal and his poor crossing ability really has let him down going forward. If Mikel can't get good performances from him soon, then Arsenal should part ways with him. SELL!

• Maitland-Niles - Has been very impressive since Arteta joined. Extremely versatile; can play at right back, either wing-back sides, central midfield or attacking midfield. Currently being used as a squad player but if he continues improving, then Arteta will be forced to considering starting him over Hector Bellerin. KEEP!

Midfielders:

• Granit Xhaka - After a rollercoaster season for the Swiss international, Granit has improved both on and off the pitch. Being used as a deep lying playmaker, Xhaka's job is to receive the ball from defensive positions and start the attack by either offloading the ball to the wide areas or picking out a pass to the forwards. Granit is prone to making a mistake but that being said he is an excellent passer, physical and is a leader. I've been very impressed with Xhaka since Arteta has come in. KEEP!

• Lucas Torreira - The little Uruguayan is aggressive and fantastic in breaking down the opposition. Still young in terms of age and plays well alongside Xhaka. Mikel Arteta has been favouriting the midfield pivot of Xhaka and Ceballos whilst Lucas was out injured, however there's no doubting Torreira's ability as a defensive midfielder. The more seasons in the Premier League he has, the more he is going to adapt. KEEP!

• Dani Ceballos - Reminds me of Santi Cazorla back when he was playing for Arsenal. Questionable performances under Emery but since Arteta has come in, Dani has been superb. Twisting and turning opposition players out of the game and creates chances for the forwards. Has a great partnership alongside Xhaka. Would definitely keep him for another year on a loan if possible. KEEP!

• Matteo Guendouzi - Arrived at Arsenal as a young prospect and has shown to the world how much potential and quality he has. However, Matteo is very easily caught out of position, rash in tackles, and lacks attacking prowess which could be due to his very young age. Since his clash with Maupay at Brighton, Guendouzi has been left out of the Arsenal team- not even making the bench. It's clear he has an attitude problem and isn't what Mikel wants as part of his squad. Reports are that Barcelona are willing to swap Phillipe Coutinho for the young Frenchman. SELL/LOAN!

• Joseph Willock - One of Arsenal's exciting youth prospects who has broken into the first team. A great ball carrier but needs to improve on creating chances and decision making. A loan move could be good for him but would need to be at a club where he is in the starting eleven every week. Could be one of Arsenal's main midfielders in years to come if he develops well under Mikel Arteta. KEEP!

• Mesut Ozil - My favourite player of recent years. I was absolutely ecstatic when he joined on Deadline Day from Real Madrid in 2013. Fantastic creator of chances, perfect vision and assist statistics to reinforce that. But sadly of the past couple of seasons, Mesut has dropped in quality and simply hasn't put the performances in, when given the chance, to justify his £350,000 per week wage. Gutting to say this but Arsenal have to cut ties with the 31 year-old German and free up the wages. SELL!

• Bukayo Saka - Just signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, Saka is one of the hottest prospects right now. When given the chance at left-back after injuries to all first team left backs, Saka took it with both hands which ultimately has given him a place in the first team; more further forward. He is quick, a great direct dribbler, good crosser and is able to finish and grab a goal when offered the chance. Very excited to see how he progresses under Mikel Arteta. KEEP!

• Emile Smith Rowe - Has completed a much needed loan spell at Huddersfield after his injury-hit loan at Leipzig. Tons of ability in bringing the ball forward, shooting from range and creating attacking chances. I would like to see Mikel Arteta involving him in the first team more, like he did with Saka. KEEP!

Forwards:

• Reiss Nelson - Another player brought in from the Arsenal Youth. Has been impressive when given the chance on the wings, but he needs to be more consistent. Reiss spent a year on loan at Hoffenheim in the 18-19 season and could probably benefit from another loan spell where he'll get regular game time. Selling him could just turn out to be Gnabry 2.0. Nelson is still young, 100% keep. KEEP/LOAN!

• Gabriel Martinelli - The young Brazilian forward has hit the ground running in his first season at Arsenal. Initially brought in as a future prospect, Martinelli soon became part of the first team set up after scoring on his debut in a pre-season friendly in the USA. In his first year at the club, Gabi scored 10 goals with 4 assists in a season where he missed 13 Premier League games alone due to injury. An extremely versatile forward that can play on the left or right and down the middle who has just signed a recent long-term extension. KEEP!

• Eddie Nketiah - Eddie is yet another example of Arsenal's fantastic youth development. It is clear Arteta has faith in the young English forward as he recalled him from his loan at Leeds mid-season. Extremely good in his pressing play and closing down defenders and the goalkeeper, hence why Mikel likes him as Eddie fits his tactical style. Nketiah is still young and will improve in his decision making as he comes of age. KEEP!

• Alexandre Lacazette - Was playing very poor under Emery and has only recently found his form under Arteta. Now being used as a target forward, Lacazette's role is more about holding up the ball and releasing it to runners who are either side or infront of him, rather than running between defenders. Fantastic finishing ability on his day and if he continues to improve under Arteta, then Arsenal should keep him. KEEP!

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Keep, keep and keep. One of the world's top goal-scorers right now and has been banging in goals consistently for years. If it wasn't for this man, Arsenal would be far worse off than their current mid table position. Golden boot in his first season in the Premier League. Can certainly take Arsenal to the next level if the club invest in defensive improvements. KEEP!

Other players who I haven't mentioned above:

• Matt Macey - Should keep as a reserve 3rd choice goalkeeper. KEEP!

• Cedric - Just signed permanently. Will provide good competition between him Bellerin and Maitland-Niles. KEEP! But sell after a year if he doesn't perform well.

• Pablo Mari - Signed on a loan in January, Mari hasn't been able to show what he is made of due to COVID and then an injury sustained against Man City. UNDECIDED!

• Saliba - Signed a year ago but has been on loan with St. Etienne. Some may question his age but I think he should be thrown straight into the first team. Hyped to be a quality centre back, might be what Arsenal have needed, but will need to be partnered with an older more experienced central defender. Do not loan back out again. KEEP!

• Elneny - Has been out on loan in Turkey. No longer needed at Arsenal anymore in my opinion as there is too many midfield options. SELL!

• Mhkitaryan - Has been out on loan with Roma in Italy. Has high wages and will not improve the first team if he returned. SELL!

• Pepe - Just completed his first season in the Premier League after a record breaking transfer fee to Arsenal from Lille. Scoring 8 times with 9 assists. There's no doubting his ability, he just needs time to adjust and hopefully with play to his price tag in the coming season. KEEP!

That wraps up this article in what I personally think Mikel Arteta should do with the Arsenal squad. What would you change? Who would you keep? Who would you sell? Who would you buy? Let me know in the comments.

I appreciate the time you've spent reading my content.

Many thanks,

Oakley.