Three players Arsenal should sell in January

Arsenal football club is currently in the midst of treacherous times. The club’s future is uncertain while their results on the pitch have shown no signs of improvement. As of writing, the Gunners sit 11th in the Premier League, the same amount of points away from the top four as the relegation zone. Unai Emery’s sacking was meant to show the world he was the problem, however, it’s clear things run deeper than just the manager. Things under Freddie Ljungberg haven’t changed one bit, thus forcing the club to appoint Mikel Arteta quicker than first expected.

Upon arrival, the Spaniard will have a lot of work on his hands to clear out the deadwood from the squad. Deadwood can be in the form of players who aren’t good enough but also those who no longer pull their weight.

Here are three players Arsenal must sell in January.

#3 Sokratis

Arsenal FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Much of Arsenal’s woes this season have come through the frailties of their porous defence. This season alone, the Gunners have conceded 27 goals in 18 games, the 13th worst record in the league. It doesn’t matter if you have a great attack like Arsenal, a weak defence will cost you every time. As of today, there are six centre-backs at Arsenal football club, many would say that none of them is of the right standard. Sokratis falls in that category.

The Greek international was brought in last summer to solve the frailties at the back, instead he’s only compounded the problem. The 31-year-old has looked erratic, error-prone, void of confidence and utterly clueless at times. Whatever combination of defenders the club puts up at the moment, it has no effect on the defensive solidity of the team.

#2 Granit Xhaka

He may have found his way back into the starting XI, but some wounds always run deeper than others. Granit Xhaka’s outburst against the Arsenal fans after being substituted vs Crystal Palace was inexcusable. The captain at the time mouthed swear words to the crowd as he strolled off the pitch despite his team not winning at the time. This incident has left a sour taste in the mouth of the Arsenal faithful, with many not willing to forgive him.

Regardless of whether the 27-year-old is actually at fault for most of Arsenal’s misfortunes is irrelevant. The fact is, Xhaka’s performances have been nothing to write home about for the past few seasons. Not many can see what he brings to the team, but they have definitely noticed the constant mistakes he’s made that have led to goals. January would be the perfect time for the midfielder to slip out the backdoor before he is reputation is permanently stained.

#1 Mesut Özil

Where should Mesut Ozil go after Arsenal?

The Mesut Özil sage has been going on from well into Arsène Wenger’s days. Many have questioned the German’s willingness and desire to play for the club as his body language seems to do more talking than his performances. This season was initially marred with Unai Emery’s reluctance to play him, now Freddie Ljungberg has come out and expressed similar concerns. For some time now there’s been a 50-50 split amongst the fan base as to those want him to stay vs those who don’t, now the balance has finally swung into the favour of those who do not.

Özil’s performances have been sub-par with often his off-the-pitch antics garnering more attention than his displays. It doesn’t help his case that he’s on a mega £350,000-a-week contract, the biggest in the club’s history. The 31-year-old’s time at the club has sadly come to an end and it’s fair to say he never really showed his best at the Emirates.

Edited by S Chowdhury