Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has come under significant criticism this season, but his squad must take responsibility for their failings too.
The Frenchman’s stubbornness in the transfer market and unwavering belief in his current crop of stars has led to scrutiny from the media and former players alike, and he indeed deserves to face the brunt of that with the Gunners set for failure this season.
Having crashed out of the Champions League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, they now sit 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City with eight games remaining.
All in all, it has led to angry protests from certain sections of Arsenal fans and suggestions that perhaps this summer is the right time for the veteran tactician, who has done an incredible job at the club for the most part, to step aside.
According to The Mirror, the 66-year-old intends on doing the complete opposite. Instead of quitting the club and leaving them in a difficult spot with no real successor lined up, he is reportedly plotting an overhaul which will see various faces leave and arrive this summer.
It is in many ways necessary, as in order to get supporters back on side if he is to remain, he has to show his ambition with a string of high-profile signings to bolster his squad and send a message to their rivals.
Firstly though, a number of players have to leave, and that includes those who have simply not met expectations and developed enough since arriving at the club.
Ray Wilkins told Sky Sports earlier this week that he believes Theo Walcott needs to move on, while The Guardian have suggested that Kieran Gibbs could be set for an exit.
Further, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a departure, as per The Independent, while veterans such as Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky are seemingly surplus to requirements.
It is difficult to disagree with any of those players leaving the club, as although they have contributed in their own right, in terms of Arsenal’s future hopes, how much value do they, or can they, really add?
With Danny Welbeck’s return to fitness and form, Wenger has arguably found his solution up front, provided that the England international can steer clear of injuries moving forward.
In turn, that would suggest that the defence in front of Petr Cech needs bolstering, as does the midfield, provided that Wenger is willing to allow those players mentioned above to leave.
Ultimately, it is unlikely that he will rip up the script and start again. However, if he does opt to stay on at Arsenal next season, it doesn’t seem as though there is any other choice if the club is to avoid falling further into internal turmoil.