For a long time now, Arsenal have been the type of team that show huge promise, but never deliver. They gave up their hopes of winning a title years ago, and now just try to aim for the top four every season. However, is this enough? Should Arsenal be aiming higher?
The majority will say that they should show more ambition, but what many overlook is the fact that the squad is filled to the brim with deadwood; players that are either no good, or provide little value to the team as a whole.
In this list, we take a look at five players Arsenal need to sell in January.
#5 Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck has been a sub-par player for years now, only being used for trivial cup games and group games in European competitions. He hardly gets any game time in the Premier League – and now that he has to compete with the likes of Aubameyang and Lacazette for a place up front, any chance of his game time improving is slim.
Whilst Welbeck has featured eight times for Arsenal this season, seven of them were substitutions (mostly late on in the match). When his main role at Arsenal is to simply be subbed on to give the first team strikers a rest, you have to question what real value Welbeck has to the club.
Another big issue with Danny Welbeck is that he’s injury prone. Even as of writing, he’s out with an ankle injury. Is this really a player that Arsenal need?
Where might Danny Welbeck go?
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are actually prepared to release Welbeck on a free transfer soon, in order to make way for upcoming talent.
Galatasaray are supposedly the frontrunners for Welbeck’s signature, but whether the 28-year-old will be interested in a move to Turkey is what will decide that matter. He’s more likely to end up at a mid-table Premier League side, like Everton or Leicester City.
#4 Mesut Ozil
To some, Ozil’s name on this list might come as a surprise; however, those who are aware of how he’s been performing in recent seasons will know exactly why he’s been included.
Once regarded as a magician of the midfield, especially during his time with Real Madrid, Ozil dictated the middle of the pitch. When he first arrived at Arsenal, he had a fairly successful first season. However, since that time, the German has been on a gradual decline.
Ozil’s value is still in the region of £40m, realistically, so if they were to sell him on, that sum of money would be a huge boost to their transfer budget in the winter.
Where might Mesut Ozil go?
The Sun have claimed that Arsenal would be willing to part with the midfielder for just £25m in January, with Inter Milan hot favourites to land his signature. The club are desperate to offload him just so that they can stop paying his £350,000-per-week wages.
Juventus are also reportedly interested in the German, but no talks have been held just yet.
#3 Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka may have featured quite prominently for the Gunners this season, but many fans have argued that’s simply because there’s no other option. Arsenal’s depth in the midfield is poor, and so Xhaka gets a spot week in, week out, as a result of being unchallenged.
Discipline has been an issue with Xhaka in the past, and he’s no stranger to getting red cards in crucial matches, which hasn’t particularly made him a fan favourite at the Emirates.
Where might Granit Xhaka go?
With what’s been already stated above in mind, Xhaka’s most likely destination after Arsenal would be FC Basel. They’re a strong side in the Swiss league and would suit Xhaka well. It’s quite unlikely that he would want to move to another team in the Premier League, as most would be a step down from Arsenal since typical top four clubs would turn their nose up at him.
#2 David Ospina
David Ospina is currently out on loan at Napoli and playing very well for them. It’s obvious that he enjoys life a lot more over there than he does in London, so a move away from the Emirates is very much on the cards.
A deal could likely be wrapped up in January that would see the Colombian permanently move to Italy, but for what amount? The best that Arsenal could hope for would be around £10m.
Where might David Ospina go?
Napoli is the most obvious answer to that question, but he could still be open to a switch elsewhere. There’s no doubting that he could also do a job in the Premier League, but would have to look for a club lower down the table, if he wanted to be a first choice option.
#1 Carl Jenkinson
Why Carl Jenkinson is still at Arsenal is a mystery to virtually everybody right now. He hasn’t ever had a great season, but was still always regarded as a “hot prospect”. Now 26 years old, Jenkinson has shown little to no sign of improvement and has an ability more suited to the Championship, than the Premier League.
In the last couple of seasons, Jenkinson hasn’t played a single game in the Premier League. The only times he would be seen in an Arsenal shirt is when the club are against a weak side in the early rounds of a cup competition.
The best that Jenkinson can realistically hope for is a Championship side coming to the rescue in January. At least there he’d be able to possibly get some game time.
He hasn’t been officially linked with any club as of yet, though, so Arsenal’s burden may continue to be around for at least another year.
