After a disastrous first few months of the 2020/21 season the past month has given Arsenal fans a much needed lift. Few would have been optimistic when Arsenal went up against Chelsea on St. Stephen’s Day. Mikel Arteta was under pressure with significant portions of the Arsenal fanbase calling for his sacking. The Spaniard needed a big performance from his players and thrust Emile Smith Rowe and Gabrielle Martinelli in at the deep end. It was a bold move, and one that thankfully paid off for Arteta and Arsenal. Both youngsters were instrumental as the Gunners beat Chelsea comfortably. Aretas bravery in terms of team selection was replicated by the players themselves, particularly the younger core.
Its January the 18th and Arsenal sit in 11th place-far away from where they need to be. However, with 4 wins in a row, there is a much greater sense of optimism around the club. An optimism instigated by playing younger players and trusting in their quality. Emile Smith Rowe has been transformative and Arsenals attack looks far more fluid with him. Bukayo Saka has been a bright spark in a pretty dull season for Arsenal and seems to have benefited from having similarly fresh and brave players alongside him.
Arsenals transfer policy has been slightly perplexing of late without any real indication of long term planning. Willian, who has so far struggled to make any real impact in an Arsenal shirt was given a 3 year contract upon signing in the Summer. Similarly, Cedric, who was 29 in August was given a 4 year deal in the Summer. Its hardly surprising that this chaotic approach to recruitment has resulted in a bloated squad with several highly paid players contributing little or nothing to the team. Arsenal have a job on their hands over the next few transfer windows to the right the wrongs of recent years. Selling will be just as important as buying. The past few weeks have offered a glimpse of a potentially bright future but there is much more work to be done. Arsenal must surround the likes of Smith Rowe and Martinelli with other talented young players and that means being smart in the market and using resources wisely.
There’s something to be said for experience and know how. Realistically, every team needs players with these qualities. However, Arsenals have far too many players whose age and past experience are not replicated in their contribution to the team. They have looked stale for much of the season and lacked the energy of more youthful players. Several experienced Arsenal players will be on their way out sooner rather than later. Sokratis (32) is likely to leave this month and will be gone in the summer when his contract expires if not. The Mesut Ozil situation has plagued the club for far too long now but his Arsenal career will finally come to an end this summer, if Fenerbache don’t sign him this month. David Luiz (33) will also be heading for the exit door when Arsenals 2020/21 season ends with no talk of a new contract at this moment in time, as is the case with Shkodran Mustafi. Sead Kolasinac has already left the club on loan and is unlikely to return while the futures of Mohamed Elneny, Callum Chambers and Granit Xhaka among others is in significant doubt. Not many Arsenal fans will shed tears about the prospect of any of these players leaving and Arsenal would be happy to free up all those wages. In this respect, this summer offers the Gunners a chance to restart and rejuvenate an ageing and bloated squad.
For much of Arsene Wenger’s reign at Arsenal, there was an emphasis on trusting youth. Perhaps, at times, Wenger was too stubborn in this approach and his young sides often lacked experience. However, in recent years Arsenal have somewhat overcompensated. With limited funds and no guarantee of Champions League football going forward Arsenal must trust in youth again. The aim should be to build a young hungry squad with some proven quality in there too. For example, Arsenal may be tempted to opt for experience to fill the backup goalkeeper and left back positions when the time comes. However, Arsenal should look at the contribution their young players have made this season and seek to bring in players with the potential to be the number one player in their position. Cup games and player unavailability’s should be an opening door for younger players who hope to earn a spot in the first team.
Arsenals future could be bright but they have to make the right choices. That means instilling a consistent transfer policy which puts emphasis on buying young players with potential. Arsenal will need to be ruthless when selling players. There is no room anymore for ageing players not making sufficient contribution. The upcoming Summer transfer window should be viewed as a chance to build for the future and Arsenal must learn from previous mistakes.
TheGoonerStation 