Arsenal’s season ended in disaster as they lost 4-1 to Chelsea in an embarrassing second half capitulation in the Europa League final last night.
The Gunners hired Unai Emery last summer because of his superb record in the Europa League – a competition he won three times in three consecutive final appearances with Sevilla between 2014 and 2016.
However, he just does not have the squad he needs at the Emirates Stadium, as Martin Keown explains quite well in the clip below:
Emery has done a decent job with many of Arsene Wenger’s flop signings, with a major shake-up now surely needed before we can accurately judge what the Spanish tactician can do in north London.
Here’s our pick for eight players we think Arsenal should ship off as soon as possible…
1) Mesut Ozil
This might be the last straw for Mesut Ozil, who was invisible against Chelsea in Baku.
The German playmaker does not look the right fit for Emery’s style of football and really disappeared when he was needed last night.
Arsenal need someone who can take the game by the scruff of the neck and lead this side, which Ozil, for all his quality when he’s in the mood, just cannot do.
2) Shkodran Mustafi
A shocking defender who’s surely used up his chances now after a third poor season at the Emirates Stadium.
One imagines Emery will be desperate to offload Mustafi this summer and bring in new defenders, but offloading members of this current squad will be needed to bring in the necessary funds.
If Arsenal can persuade anyone to buy Mustafi this summer they’ll have had a pretty decent window!
3) Sead Kolasinac
Despite making a bright start to life at Arsenal last season, Sead Kolasinac just has not developed as hoped.
The versatile left-back/wing-back is far from the worst player in this squad, but he’s too limited in comparison to some of the quality full-backs and wing-backs you see at the big clubs these days.
If anyone’s interested in him, Arsenal should strongly consider letting him go as well and bringing in an upgrade in that area.
4) Nacho Monreal
Similarly, Nacho Monreal’s days at Arsenal should perhaps now be over after fading in recent times.
The Spaniard has been a solid servant for the north London giants, but now often finds himself as part of a back three in Emery’s side.
Given that he started out as a left-back, this is far from ideal, with a team of Arsenal’s ambition needing to have specialists in defence.
5) Laurent Koscielny
One of the best defenders in the Premier League for a number of years, Laurent Koscielny has undoubtedly been a fine servant to Arsenal Football Club.
However, the Frenchman will turn 34 next season and has had his problems with injuries lately, so may not be the best name to be relying on for much longer.
Arsenal could perhaps benefit from having his experience and leadership in the squad, but then they could also do well to get his wages off their bill, so it’s a sale to be considered, for sure.
6) Granit Xhaka
The occasional strong performance has won Granit Xhaka some time at Arsenal, but after three seasons in England now, enough is surely enough.
The Switzerland international just isn’t quite good enough in any one area – with his passing suspect and his defensive play not enough for him to be a reliable shield in front of the defence.
As well as that, he simply has too many lapses in concentration and individual errors in him, with Arsenal surely capable of finding someone a lot better without necessarily spending that much.
7) Mohamed Elneny
A backup player for much of his time at Arsenal, it’s bizarre that someone as average as Mohamed Elneny is still at the club.
The Egypt international could well do a job for some mid-table Premier League clubs, so AFC should definitely get rid if offers come in.
8) Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Finally, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is another player Arsenal need to be ruthless with and just send packing this summer.
It is of course a great shame the Armenia international felt he had to miss the Europa League final in Baku, but it’s doubtful he’d have made much of an impact anyway.
Few at Arsenal would really miss him if he were sold this summer.