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Not long ago, Aaron Ramsey confirmed his departure after spending more than a decade of his career with Arsenal. Petr Cech will retire at the end of this season, which means he would also be leaving soon. Unai Emery has been trying to rebuild the squad with the limited amount of funds that he has in the summer. From his first two transfer windows, he has brought in a couple of defensive players and potential replacements for some of his midfielders.
With so much change going on for the Gunners, the players now seem confused with all that is going on. Their performances have been lacking consistency since Southampton ended their winning streak back in December. Flaws of many players are increasingly exposed and Emery's style of play is being questioned by many.
Based on the current situation and how the players have performed so far, at least three of player could be sold in the upcoming summer transfer window. Here is a look at three possible Arsenal players who might leave the club.
#3 Shkodran Mustafi
Shkodran Mustafi joined Arsenal from Valencia back in 2016 for more than £35 million. However, the German centre-back has not quite seem to justify his price-tag in his seasons in the EPL. Even after two full seasons, the 2014 World Cup winner is still prone to making mistakes at the back.
In the eyes of many fans, he is not the reliable defender that players could count on. The German lacks pace at the back and is often clumsy in his tackles, giving away free-kicks at dangerous positions. His dismal performances this season has not helped him to build an improved reputation among fans. While playing as part of a back-three, Mustafi looks lost in the game and he has struggled to fit Emery's style of play.
With pressure on the team to improve, the 26-year-old has not done much to escape from the criticism of fans. In the match against Manchester City recently, many pointed out that it ought to be one of his worst games as a Gunner. Now that Mavropanos is fit and ready to play for the first team, the Greek defender could soon replace him in the starting eleven if he manages to get into Emery's good books. Additionally, Rob Holding will return next season following his injury late last year. This could force Mustafi out of the team.
There are rumours circulating that Arsenal would allow Mustafi to leave in the summer and the board should definitely cash in on him. The money could be used to buy a more dependable and experienced defender to support Arsenal's backline.
#2 Alex Iwobi
When Alex Iwobi came on as a substitute for a couple of games, fans saw him as a game changer. Emery potentially improved Iwobi's style of play and confidence. However, all that hope among fans is now gone. Iwobi appears to have returned to his old usual self, a player who tries hard to contribute but always falls short of expectations.
The 22-year-old has been favoured over Mesut Ozil and played a total of 23 Premier League games this season. Thus far, he has only five assists to his name and Arsenal are falling short of creativity whenever he plays. The last time he laid an assist in the Premier League was back on New Year's Day when the Gunners faced Fulham.
Although still relatively young, Iwobi has gained plenty of experience playing domestically when Arsene Wenger managed the club. Wenger trusted the youngster and gave him the time to shine. On the hindsight, Iwobi has never quite maintained his standards.
The Nigerian may have the "never-say-die" attitude, but he is not the creative midfielder who can help Arsenal win trophies. The player simply does not have the potential and capability of maintaining a high standard of performance every week.
In a squad which needs massive changing, Iwobi could be a sacrificial lamb in the upcoming transfer window in order to make space for new players. Perhaps, the player is only suited to come on as a game changer rather than as a regular player.
#1 Mesut Ozil
Following cryptic messages on his social media accounts, it appears that Mesut Ozil's relationship with Emery is on the rocks. People start to wonder who will last longer at the club. A similar situation happened at Manchester United between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho previously, and Pogba outlasted his former manager.
From a player greatly adored by his manager to one who fails to make the team despite being fit, it has been a huge change of fortune for the German midfielder. There is certainly no doubt that Ozil is one of the best players in his position. However, when the game does not go his way, Ozil is as good as a missing player on the pitch. The question Emery should be asking is how to get the best out of Ozil rather than push him aside.
At 30 years of age, Ozil is nearing the end of his career in competitive football. The player has already retired from International football amid a flurry of events during the World Cup period. Now, he should be able to devote all his attention to playing for the Gunners. To the anger of many fans, Emery has time and again opted not to pick Ozil in the starting eleven.
The attacking midfielder does not deserve such treatment and his wages are also probably having a huge toll on the available spending in the transfer window. If he leaves for good, it will be beneficial for both parties- Ozil gets the save his career and Arsenal has more money to spend on new players.
