Keep, sell or loan: Assessing the current Arsenal squad for 2020
Defenders
David Luiz – The disaster, panic buy that could turn out a masterstroke, Luiz has looked very accomplished under Arteta and is emerging as the new ‘leader’ within the group. Not only is his arm waving and fist-pumping great to see, but his defending and passing has also been excellent in recent week. Central defence is perhaps Arsenal’s weakest area and with a number of players injured Luiz will likely be a central cog for the rest of the season. Come the summer, he should be retained although with William Saliba returning from his loan, he might not be first choice.
Verdict – Keep
Sokratis – Has had a bit of a shocker up until now, but put in his best performance by some way against Manchester United to repair some bridges with fans. Still a player on the wrong side of 30 whose contract expires next summer, Arsenal should be in a position come the summer to get rid.
Verdict – Sell in the summer
Calum Chambers – Very impressive at centre-back, less so at right-back, but given the rejuvenation of Ainsley Maitland-Niles he should now be used solely as a central man. Doubt he will ever be the main man at Arsenal, but a useful squad man that can always step in and play a role, it is a real shame to see him out for the season. Provided he can get back fit, Arsenal should probably give him a new deal.
Verdict – Keep
Rob Holding – Another man desperately unlucky with injuries, he is a player I still have high hopes for under the tutelage of Arteta. A good passer of the ball, it would be nice to see him get a run in the side alongside Luiz for the rest of the season so we can assess how good he could be. Certainly one to keep, but also it is up to him to prove he can be a starter.
Verdict – Keep
Shkodran Mustafi – Poor guy, he came back from the brink with some decent performances because of injuries to other players only to mess it all up in the final minutes against Chelsea. Truthfully, not of the required level and someone that should be jettisoned immediately.
Verdict – Sell
Dinos Mavropanos – We have barely seen him for two years and he hasn’t been overly impressive when we have. Nonetheless, deserves the opportunity to go out on loan and try and prove himself before we completely write him off as an Arsenal player. So many other players looked cooked under Emery, so we can’t fully blame him for falling under a similar malaise.
Verdict – Loan
Hector Bellerin – Another player so unlucky with injury, but one that can be so good on his day. Given the fact that he did struggle slightly on his return, it is worth allowing him come back slowly, especially with Maitland-Niles in such good form. For his loyalty and human quality, deserves all the time he needs to return to his best.
Verdict – Keep
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – My hero, a player I have always rated and someone I am so happy to see receiving praise. Under Arteta, he looks like someone that could really become a top player and one that can play a variety of positions. I would still be fascinated to see him move into midfield full-time, but given the influence he is having from right-back, there is no need to rush.
Verdict – Keep
Sead Kolasinac – A good if limited players, Kolasinac has certainly got better as his Arsenal career has worn on. He put in a brilliant effort against United on New Years Day and clearly impressed Arteta with his desire. With Bukayo Saka impressing at left-back and Kieran Tierney out injured, it is an interesting time for him and perhaps a crucial time if he wants to stay an Arsenal player in the long-run.
Verdict – Assess in the summer
Kieran Tierney – A really talented player that has had his first season at Arsenal ruined through injury. Probably someone that will have to wait until next season to show his best form, but also is young enough for that not to be a huge issue.
Verdict – Keep