'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has the massive task of transforming the Gunners’ fortunes and turn them into a force in the Premier League again.
The Spaniard did well in his first season in charge of Arsenal, leading them to an FA Cup,and the Community Shield last year. This season, however, things have not gone smoothly this season.
It’s no secret that the Arsenal squad needs replenishment, but the club will first have to get rid of some of the fringe players.
Five players who are presently out of favour at Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not shied away from cutting off players from the first team. On that note, let’s take a look at five Arsenal players who are presently out of favour under Arteta:
#1 Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil is perhaps the most creative player in the Arsenal squad but hasn’t featured for Arsenal this season after being frozen out of the first team.
Although Mikel Arteta has been implored by a section of the Arsenal fans and some pundits to give Ozil another chance, it is not likely to happen, as the former German international edges close to an exit.
There have been a lot of reasons for Ozil not being involved, as both on-the-pitch and off-the-pitch issues have contributed to his downfall at Arsenal.
It is reported that Ozil is close to moving to Fenerbahce, and the sooner it happens, the better it would be for all parties involved.
#2 Matteo Guendouzi
Matteo Guendouzi was an integral part of Mikel Arteta Arsenal early on in the manager's reign but has had disciplinary issues.
Eventually, Arteta decided to use other players instead of Guendouzi, with the game against Brighton last season appearing to be the final nail in the coffin.
Guendouzi was loaned out to Hertha Berlin last summer. Even though he is having a good spell with the Bundesliga side, it remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta will integrate him again at Arsenal after his loan spell ends.
There have been reports that Hertha Berlin want to sign Guendouzi on a permanent deal after his impressive performances in the first half of the ongoing season.
#3 Shkodran Mustafi
Another German who has struggled to impress under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal is Shkodran Mustafi. There was a lot of hype surrounding Mustafi when he moved to Arsenal in 2016, but he hasn’t been able to live up to that.
Mustafi’s error-prone displays on the pitch have often infuriated fans and pundits alike. The player presently finds himself behind the likes of David Luiz, Rob Holding, Gabriel and Pablo Mari in the Arsenal pecking order.
With the 28-year old’s contract with Arsenal coming to an end in the summer this season, he is expected to leave for free. But Arsenal are unlikely to miss him though.
#4 Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun must be wondering what else he must do to feature in the Premier League for Arsenal after putting in some impressive displays for the club in the Cup competitions.
Despite Arsenal’s poor run during the fag end of 2020, Mikel Arteta did not use Balogun in the league, and it’s likely that the young forward could seek a move elsewhere.
Liverpool are one of the teams interested in signing the forward, who has scored five times for the Arsenal Under-23s this season. He has also mustered two goals in four Europa League appearances.
Like Mustafi, Balogun’s contract with Arsenal also expires in the summer, and it’s unlikely he will sign an extension.
#5 Sokratis Papastathopoulos
Another player who was signed for good money by Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, unfortunately, hasn’t been able to replicate his dogged displays of his Dortmund days at the Emirates Stadium.
The Greek international is in the twilight of his career and is no longer seen as someone who can do a job for Arsenal at the back.
Sokratis is yet to feature for Arsenal this season, with his only appearances coming for the club's development side in the EFL Trophy and the Premier League 2. Still only 32, he still has some football in him, but it does not appear to be at Arsenal.
Liverpool were briefly linked with a January move for Sokratis, considering their numerous defensive injuries, but it remains to be seen if they sign him on a short-term deal.
