Arsenal appointed Mikel Arteta as manager of the club in December 2019, and the Spaniard has turned things around for the Gunners.
While there have been quite a few draws, the former Manchester City coach has made the Gunners a lot more solid at the back.
Arteta has brought a system that could bring the North London club success in the future, but he will have to make some important decisions in the transfer market in the summer.
The Spaniard has to let go of a few players who may not add much value to his team, as he will have to look towards the future.
Let’s take a look at 3 players Mikel Arteta should get rid of in the summer:
3 players Arsenal should sell in the summer
#3 David Luiz
Centre-back Shkodran Mustafi, who has been criticised over the last few seasons, has had a run of games under Arteta, and he hasn’t done too badly. The 27-year-old may have secured a spot in Arteta’s plans for next season, and could be one of the options at the back.
But, David Luiz – Mustafi’s centre-back partner over the last few games – may not have a future at the club next season. The Brazilian, who moved from Chelsea ahead of the season, has made several mistakes this season, and is a liability at the back.
Luiz will turn 33 in April and may no longer have what it takes to lead the Gunners defence. Arteta must sell Luiz and buy a top-quality centre- back as his replacement in the Gunners defence.
#2 Sead Kolasinac
Arteta must get rid of players who have underperformed or been injury-prone, one of them being left-back Sead Kolasinac.
The German-born Bosnian international will probably go down the pecking order next season as the Gunners’ summer signing Kieran Tierney, could come into the reckoning next season, after a tough first season at the club due to injury.
Kolasinac will also have to compete with 18-year-old full-back Bukayo Saka, who has been a revelation this season. The Gunners need quality players who are consistent and not injury-prone, and hence must sell Kolasinac.
#1 Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has been a constant fixture in the Gunners starting lineup over the last few months, and despite some promising performances, the German is not contributing enough. Ozil has scored only scored once and assisted once in the league this season, which is not good enough for a player of his calibre, as well as the wages he currently earns.
The former Real Madrid star will turn 32 this year, which means that he may have just 2-3 years remaining in top-flight football. Arteta must build a squad for the future and sell players like the Ozil who is way past his prime.
