8 players who must go first when the Gunners reshape their squad

Transfer talk will soon turn to potential signings, but Arsene Wenger must start by clearing out the dead wood at the Emirates

It looks as if Arsenal will finish the 2015/16 campaign without a major trophy.

That will disappoint both fans and manager alike, and Arsene Wenger could be left with a significant rebuilding job on his hands come the summer.

Much of the focus on Twitter and fan forums will be on potential signings – a new striker, perhaps, or some more defensive cover.

But any refit will also involve players being jettisoned. Some will fetch a pretty penny, but some should just be let go.

Here, then, are the eight Gunners stars who should go first:

Theo Walcott

This summer will mark 12 months since Walcott signed his latest long-term deal with the club. However, on the evidence of this season, he may not be around to see that contract to its completion. 36 appearances across all competitions have yielded just eight goals, and his form has tailed off dramatically in the second half of the campaign.

Currently, he finds himself behind the likes of Joel Campbell and Alex Iwobi in the pecking order for the wide positions, while Danny Welbeck’s return has limited Walcott’s opportunities as a centre-forward.

Walcott’s homegrown status could make him desirable to the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, while his relatively recent extension would ensure he commanded a significant fee. Wenger may now feel that money would be better reinvested in the squad.

Mathieu Debuchy

The French full-back is currently on loan at Bordeaux, but will surely make a permanent exit this summer. He made his displeasure at losing his first-team place to Hector Bellerin clear, but there is little to suggest the Spaniard’s development is slowing sufficiently for Debuchy to get back in.

With Carl Jenkinson set to return from a loan spell with West Ham, Arsenal can certainly afford to let Debuchy go.

Mathieu Flamini

In the summer of 2013, Flamini was signed on a free transfer as an emergency midfield option. Three years on, he started for Arsenal in the Nou Camp.

 

Unfortunately, that says more about Arsenal’s lack of midfield options than Flamini’s progression. After a bright start to his second spell at Arsenal, he has begun to fall well short of the expected standards.

His contract is set to expire this summer, and there’s little chance of a renewal – the Gunners even have an ideal replacement already in Mohamed Elneny.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Could it be time for Oxlade-Chamberlain to try his hand at another Premier League club? The England international’s struggles for form and fitness have seen him fall behind the likes of Campbell and Iwobi in Wenger’s plans. At 23, it’s imperative he begins to play regular first-team football if he’s to achieve his potential.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has the talent to be a star, but it’s difficult to see him making the grade at Arsenal. A step back to a smaller club may be required before his career can move forward.

Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish goalkeeper has spent the season on loan at Roma, hoping to impress Wenger enough to earn another chance at Arsenal. However, there’s little point keeping him on: Petr Cech’s form suggests he’s still in his prime, while David Ospina has shown himself to be an able deputy.

It seems the Arsenal fans have seen the last of the erratic Pole at the Emirates.

Yaya Sanogo

After a disastrous spell with Ajax, Arsenal have sent Sanogo on loan to Charlton – the same club that transformed the fortunes of Alex Song and Francis Coquelin. It seemed to be working, with the Frenchman hitting a hat-trick against Reading.

However, a sending-off for violent conduct against MK Dons has seen him back in the dog house. He is 23 now, and shows little sign of fulfilling the potential he showed as a teenager. It’s time for Arsenal to cut their losses.

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal’s club captain must sense the end is near. Calf problems have plagued him for nearly two years now, and it’s difficult to justify extending a contract which is set to expire this summer.

Arteta may remain at the club in another capacity. The Spaniard has already begun taking his coaching badges, and could be offered a role on Wenger’s staff.

Tomas Rosicky

With a heavy heart, Arsenal must say goodbye to Tomas Rosicky this summer. Arsenal’s evergreen midfielder will be 36 next season, and after managing to make just one competitive appearance this season, will surely admit to his time with the Gunners being up.

 

Knowing his indomitable competitive spirit, Rosicky will want to play on. If he can prove his fitness, there will no shortage of takers for the ‘Little Mozart’.