As January kicks-on in the Transfer Tavern, the Arsenal punters by the pool table are anxiously discussing what business needs to be completed this month to assure them of Premier League success.
The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League standings and are on-course for their first league title in 12 years- but there’s still plenty of work to be done, whilst question marks remain on some of their squad.
Our Arsenal punters unanimously agree that outgoing business is of significant importance this month and there are five particular players they believe should be on their way out this month, as they’re far from impressed with their performances.
Some of these may seem controversial to our readers but the lads present a good argument and it’s difficult to argue that the Gunners couldn’t get by without these players- who in truth are largely just fringe members of the squad.
Hit Wenger below to see FIVE players Arsenal should axe this month!
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
Mathieu Debuchy
Since moving to the Emirates Stadium from Newcastle United in 2014, things haven’t quite gone to plan for French defender Mathieu Debuchy. His first season was plagued by injury and in his absence Hector Bellerin rose to form, making the right-back spot his own.
In the few chances he’s had this season, Debuchy has failed to impress and he needs more regular football if he is to land a spot in France’s European Championship squad. An exit is more likely to be a loan deal but Arsenal fans here strongly believe he’ll be gone next season, stating he doesn’t have the right calibre for the club.
Tomas Rosicky
A proud and loyal servant to Arsenal, Tomas Rosicky’s days are numbers. He’s just returning from injury and is yet to feature this year, whilst it’s highly unlikely that the 35-year-old Czech international will play again for Arsenal.
With competition for places with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla, not to mention any incoming signings Arsenal make, Rosicky is surplus to requirements. It’s hard to let a player leave for so long but Arsenal fans would prefer to see him shine elsewhere, rather than rot in the reserves.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
This was a difficult decision for many of our punters to come to but they’ve stated that in ideal circumstances Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should leave on-loan this month, as he’s failed to impress when he’s played this season.
Long-term injury problems have hampered his development but he’s looked to be the shadow of the player he once was and his only memorable display last season was when Kieran Gibbs was wrongfully dismissed in the place of the England international.
It’s crunch time for Oxlade-Chamberlain and his career, with a loan spell ideal for him to find consistency.
Mathieu Flamini
If Arsenal didn’t have their injury problems, it seems highly likely that Mathieu Flamini would have gone this month. However, with Francis Coquelin injured, Flamini has stepped-up into the starting line-up and performed fairly well.
However, our fans aren’t convinced he’s a midfielder suitable for a title winning side and with Calum Chambers impressing, Mohamed Elneny signing imminently and Coquelin getting close to his return date, our fans would happily offload Flamini.
Mikel Arteta
Club captain, cult hero and now youth coach, Arteta’s playing days are behind him. Many of our fans expect to see Arteta become a full-time coach at the end of the season but they’d happily let him take this role now, stating there’s no chance of him becoming a regular.
Arteta has been a decent server and performer for Arsenal during his career at North London but age has caught him up, with his tired legs not suitable to play at the highest level. Arteta has a massive influence behind the scenes, so the fans don’t want him gone, but they’d accept him stepping aside.
