Mikel Arteta practically confirmed plans for a massive squad overhaul at Arsenal in a recent interview.
"The squad needs changing," he told the Guardian. "There were already a lot of changes in December, something that has not been done in years, but it tells us where we were.
"Things are going to have to change and the owners are going to back it up."
So we name 14 players that should be offloaded—although some departures could be painful.
Goalkeeper
The Icelandic keeper only takes up a non-homegrown slot without contributing anything to the team. He is clearly not good enough for Arsenal. Okonkwo or Hein should be promoted to the first team at Runarsson's expense.
Defenders
The Englishman has made significant progress this season but his lack of pace and weak positioning were routinely exploited by Premier League forwards.
Rob is good enough for the bench but is not good enough to be a first-choice at centre-back. With Saliba returning this season and David Luiz only getting better with age, we just don't see a place for Holding in the squad.
Reinvented as a right-back, Calum has not shown anything spectacular for Arsenal after returning from his injury. He could be valuable due to his versatility though, so we would be fine if he remained at the team next season.
The Bosnian looked out of his depth before his loan to Schalke. We admire his fighting spirit but we hope Schalke, or someone else, signs him on a permanent deal this summer.
The Euro 2016 winner is a reliable full-back capable of playing on both sides. However, Mikel Arteta does not seem to trust him, failing to use him when Kieran Tierney was injured. We wouldn't mind if he stayed though.
One of those departures that would hurt more than others. Hector has repeatedly demonstrated his love and loyalty to Arsenal by rejecting offers from Barcelona and Man City to stay at the Emirates a few years ago.
However, the 2020–21 version of the vice-captain is far cry from the pre-injury Heccy B, and we could only see him staying as a second choice to a new right-back.
Midfielders
The Spaniard will return to Real Madrid after the end of this season. There is certainly no need to extend his stay at Arsenal.
The Uruguayan gave everything for Arsenal during his time there but started complaining about unfair treatment after leaving for Atletico. He then demanded a move to Boca Juniors after the death of his mother. Well, Boca, €20m and he's yours.
It has been a good season for the Egyptian, who put in impressive performances against Man United at Old Trafford and Olympiacos in Greece.
However, with his contract expiring next summer, we don't see a reason for Mo to stay at the club when the likes of Miguel Azeez and Joe Willock need more game time.
We don't mind Ains getting another chance at Arsenal but if someone is willing to buy him for €20–25m this summer, the Gunners should sell.
Niles is incredibly talented but his attitude problems and insistence on playing in central midfield will dent his chances of becoming a world-class player, at Arsenal and elsewhere.
Forwards
Nico is not an €80m player, simple as that. He can be brilliant on his day but his inconsistency means he can't be trusted to be a key player for this side. We don't mind him staying for the third season but, if a good offer arrives, Arsenal should consider selling the Ivorian.
The Brazilian has provided 7 assists this season but his ability to produce good crosses from corners is not enough to warrant a place in the squad. Willian has been a huge disappointment for Arsenal this season and should be released.
Folarin Balogun's new contract probably means that Eddie's time at Arsenal is up. He showed a lot of promise, scoring at a record pace for the Academy side and England U21s.
However, Nketiah apparently needs regular game time to shine, something Arsenal are very unlikely to provide if we want to be competing for top spots.
The striker has been one of the best players for Arsenal this season. He is an atypical striker, a No. 9 who plays as a No. 10. However, he often misses chances, does not have the pace required to run past opposition defenders, and has a contract expiring next summer.
We'd be very sorry to see Laca go but, if Mikel Arteta is serious about being 'ruthless', it's time to say goodbye to Alex.
Which players from the list would you keep? Who else would sell?
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