Rebuilding Arsenal: 5 steps to success for Mikel Arteta

Step 4: Get rid of the dead weight

Arsenal fans have made it clear that they’ve been more than patient with several players, but enough is enough. Time for them to go.

Whilst many have commented that they overpay a few of their players, Ozil for example, it isn’t just the finances that are a concern.

Whilst it is shocking that Mesut Ozil earns a reported £350,000 per week, Arteta needs to focus on an intangible characteristic of his players.

Arteta needs players with the right temperament.

For example, Granit Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy under Unai Emery after having been booed off the pitch by his own fans whilst going on to swear at those in the stands as he stormed off.

Meanwhile David Luiz is known for making rash decisions as well as being shaky in defence at the best of times.

He’s already amassed 2 red cards in only 27 EPL appearances for Arsenal and has a questionable record in the side (2 goals, 8 wins, 6 losses and 13 draws).

Couple these stats and incidents with the likes of Mateo Guendouzi grabbing the neck of Neil Maupay after their most recent loss to Brighton and my point about temperament is only emphasised.

As such, any and all players that display these below-par characteristics must leave Arsenal ASAP.

Arsenal need players who are composed, calculated in their decision making, hardworking and enthusiastic.

However, whilst he’s been the subject of great debate recently, the potential fate of Aubameyang isn’t straightforward, either.

In the latest 4-0 win against Norwich, Aubameyang became the fastest Arsenal player to reach 50 EPL goals for the club.

However, with his contract expiring next summer (end of 2020/21 season), by which point he’ll be 32 years of age, this summer could prove decisive.

The Gabon international will be wondering how many years he has left in his prime and will start to weigh 2 factors against each other.

How long before Arsenal are challenging for trophies again vs. how happy would he be if he retired without winning anything further?

It could be that, for the sake of the club and the player’s career, it’s best for Arsenal to cash out on Aubameyang this summer.

Being of fine form, Arsenal could recoup or even profit from the £56m fee they paid for him in January 2018, if they sell him this summer.

On the other hand, Arsenal could challenge for top 4 next season and perhaps look to win any and all domestic trophies, simultaneously.

Could they do that without Aubameyang playing the leading role?