Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern are far from pleased with their side’s overall performance this season, although they’ve admitted they’re happy with the improvements in recent weeks.
The Gunners face a tough end to the season as they look to seal a spot in the top-four of the Premier League and secure their place in the Champions League next season, whilst they face a stern test at Wembley later this month in an FA Cup tie with Chelsea.
Arsene Wenger has often got the best out of young players within his squad and a busy few weeks for Arsenal, which has seen them play three games in the past week and leaves them preparing for two more, means that an injection of youth in the side could provide a huge boost.
The quick succession of fixtures means that squad rotation will be necessary and a home clash with already-relegated Sunderland is the perfect opportunity to shake things up, with our landlord identifying these two players as the ideal candidates to feature.
Alex Iwobi
Nigerian ace Alex Iwobi earned a wealth of opportunities in the first-half of the season but has seen those openings decrease significantly in recent months, as the 21-year-old has not played a single minute of Arsenal’s last seven Premier League games.
With Arsenal’s end to the season coming thick and fast, injecting Iwobi into the side for the clash against Sunderland tomorrow would provide a big boost to the attack and it would allow Mesut Ozil to rest ahead of the season’s finale with Everton.
Iwobi could also feature at wing-back if needs be, or just behind Alexis Sanchez if the Chilean plays in a central striking role.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Young Jeff Reinde-Adelaide has impressed in his handful of opportunities in Arsenal’s first-team so far in his fledgling career but the 19-year-old is yet to make his Premier League debut, although he has featured in both domestic cup competitions for the Gunners.
Against an already-relegated Sunderland side, pushing Reine-Adelaide into the first-team frame would give him a huge confidence boost ahead of next season and would provide a spark of creativity to Arsenal’s midfield ranks.
Capable of playing in deep midfield or further forward, Reine-Adelaide’s versatility in the future would be decisive and even an appearance off the bench against Sunderland could bring positive rewards.
