In 2021/22, Arsenal enjoyed a season that, had it been offered at the beginning of the campaign, most fans would have been content with.
However, missing out on Champions League football despite being four points clear with three games to go has instead left it one shrouded in disappointment across the club and fanbase, with Mikel Arteta himself claiming that he could not judge the season on the final day because he was ‘still in a lot of pain after what happened on Monday’ [when the Gunners lost to Newcastle].
Looking ahead to the 2022/23 campaign, Arsenal will need a bigger squad to contend with European football being back on their agenda, while Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar are continuing to mould the squad into the side that they want to push on with.
With this in mind, 101 ran the rule over the Arsenal squad, deciding if they are one to keep, or if moving on is the best move.
Goalkeepers
Aaron Ramsdale
Has made himself the undisputed no.1 in north London. Performances tailed off in the second half of the season but is certain to be in goal for the Gunners for years to come.
Verdict: Keep
Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Bernd Leno
Still a fantastic shot-stopper, but less comfortable with his feet than Ramsdale. In a World Cup year, he will not want to be a second choice option, while Arsenal have already signed a backup.
Verdict: Sell
Matt Turner
A new arrival from the MLS seemingly set to take over from Bernd Leno as no.2.
Verdict: Keep
Defenders
Takehiro Tomiyasu
An impressive debut season when fit, Arsenal fans will be hoping he can shake his injuries over the summer and continue to improve.
Verdict: Keep
Cedric Soares
Though Arsenal are reportedly ‘pleased’ with the fullback, it was the absence of a Tomiyasu-type defender that played a part in Arsenal’s poor end of the season. Could be moved on if a replacement can be found.
Verdict: Sell
Hector Bellerin
Coming back from a successful loan spell at Real Betis and has openly spoken about his desire to stay there. The Gunners should not stand in his way if a deal can be agreed.
Verdict: Sell
Ben White
A key part of Mikel Arteta’s new-look defence, White will definitely be at the Emirates next season.
Verdict: Keep
Gabriel Magalhaes
Improving every game, and looks at home in north London even amid links to Juventus. Would command a massive fee.
Verdict: Keep
Pablo Mari
Deemed not good enough in January, and a mixed loan with Udinese has not changed that. Cash in.
Verdict: Sell
William Saliba
Coming off the back of a brilliant season and still only young, Mikel Arteta has already confirmed that Saliba will be a part of the squad next season.
Arteta tells RMC: “William Saliba has to come back. He has the experience to be competitive with us. We sent him to Marseille for his growth”. 🇫🇷 #AFC
“William wanted to be regular starter as you know but now we want him back at Arsenal”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2022
Verdict: Keep
Rob Holding
A low cost, useful option helpful in specific situations. His off the pitch role cannot be understated either given some of the impending departures.
Verdict: Keep
Nuno Tavares
Would be a brilliant footballer if his brain worked at the same speed as the rest of him. Needs a loan but there’s plenty of promise.
Verdict: Keep
Kieran Tierney
Arsenal’s current starting left-back and, barring a mammoth bid, will remain so when he returns from injury.
Verdict: Keep
Midfielders
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Went on loan to Roma but has failed to impress there and it seems as though he will be moving on permanently this summer following his failure to do so 12 months ago.
Verdict: Sell
Lucas Torreira
Has never been comfortable in England and was not in Mikel Arteta’s plans last summer. It’s difficult to see how that would have changed during his time in Italy.
Verdict: Sell
Mohamed Elneny
Solid but unspectacular, Elneny has already renewed his contract for at least one more season. Will be useful in cup competitions.
Verdict: Keep
✊ Committed to The Arsenal
✍️ We’re delighted to announce Mo Elneny has signed a new deal
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 25, 2022
Granit Xhaka
One of few experienced heads- when he keeps it- left in the Arsenal squad. Doesn’t have to be a starter but certainly a strong rotation option.
Verdict: Keep
Thomas Partey
The only truly top-class midfielder that Arsenal have in their engine room. Keeping Partey fit next season has to be a key priority.
Verdict: Keep
Sambi Lokonga
A tricky first season for the summer signing but the Europa League will offer him more opportunities to hone his craft.
Verdict: Keep
Martin Odegaard
A successful first full season made his £35m price tag look a snip. Will continue to improve and is key to the Arsenal side.
Verdict: Keep
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Emile Smith Rowe
A strong start to the campaign tailed off drastically but he is still a very bright talent within the Arsenal ranks.
Verdict: Keep
Forwards
Gabriel Martinelli
Continuing to improve and looks set to be a superstar.
Verdict: Keep
Reiss Nelson
Finished the season strongly with Feyenoord, and could be a useful rotation option in attack with the added games.
Verdict: Keep
Bukayo Saka
The poster boy of the club, Saka must stay and a new long-term contract is likely to be offered to him this summer.
Verdict: Keep
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal’s record signing has just completed his third season in north London and is still flattering to deceive. Arsenal would be best cutting their losses.
Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park (Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images).
Verdict: Sell
Alexandre Lacazette
4 goals in the top flight this season is simply not good enough, and his contract will not be renewed.
Verdict: Sell
Eddie Nketiah
A strong end to the season has changed plenty of minds in the Arsenal fanbase, and it now looks as though he will be staying this summer rather than departing for free.
Verdict: Keep
Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal, as reported by @SamiMokbel81_DM and @David_Ornstein. The decision has been made – nothing signed yet. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Nketiah will pen a new long term deal – Eddie has decided to turn down Bundesliga and PL club proposals to stay at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/VbrylxDRW7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2022
Read more:
Liverpool vs Real Madrid betting tips: Champions League Final preview, predictions and odds
Arsenal 2021/22 Season Review: Best signing, biggest flop & more
