5 players Arsenal should call time on

Arsenal have a host of players with creativity, raw talent and flair. Wenger has built squads, re-built and added to his collection and now has a vast selection of players to choose from. However, amidst a squad which possesses clear talent, there’s a number of players that Arsenal have put their faith in for far too long and now it’s time to give-up. Abou Diaby is one player that Arsenal kept on the books for an unhealthy amount of time and there’s a danger of them making the same mistake again. Here’s five players Arsenal should give up on…

Olivier Giroud

The French forward is a controversial choice amongst fans. For a team hoping to compete for trophies and essentially the Premier League title, he doesn’t provide the excitement fans would hope for. Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea all have star strikers in Martial, Kane, Aguero and Costa but Giroud just doesn’t seem to compare. The forward has strengths and qualities and displayed flashes of these last season but he lacks world-class status and doesn’t provide enough goals. 16 goals last season wasn’t a poor number but as Arsenal’s main talisman, fans are right to expect more. With Welbeck being as injury prone as he is, Arsenal need to look to replace Giroud with a top striker and should do so quickly.

Jack Wilshere

The England midfielder was once dibbed to become England’s best player and future leader. The London boy has talent and skill and his dribbling ability makes him a threat against many teams. However, he’s been unfortunate with injuries in his early career and has never returned to make an impact. Wenger still believes the midfielder can make an impact and maybe like Daniel Sturridge, will provide the quality when given a chance. However, with time ticking on since Arsenal last won the league, fans’ patience are running low and players like Wilshere may not be given the support he needs in order to recover.

Mathieu Flamini

Arsenal’s defensive midfielder is a good intercepter and is valuable in breaking down the opposition play. However, the Frenchman made just 24 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners last season, including just 16 in the Premier League. When given the opportunity, he’s shown strength in defence but also lacks concentration and is prone to making errors. For a bit-part player, mistakes are unforgiveable and Arsenal need to invest in a strong defensive midfielder to free-up Aaron Ramsey and provide cover for Arsenal’s attacking play.

Tomas Rosicky

The 35 year-old midfielder has had his fair share of injures since joining Arsenal in 2006. With over 150 league appearances, you’d be forgiven in thinking he’s been a regular for the side. However, across a ten year period, that’s nowhere near the amount Wenger would’ve hoped to have used him for. He missed half of last season with a thigh injury and that’s not the first time he’s been on the treatment table. Reports suggest the Czech could retire soon but if not, Arsenal should look to offload him as soon as possible.

Theo Walcott

It’s clear Walcott has talent and his pace can put fear into the defence of many top sides. However, there are clear limitations to his ability; his decision making is often poor; his final ball often lets him down and on too many occasions his goal-scoring ability isn’t good enough. These limitations may have bene the reasons as to why he was overlooked for England’s Euro 2016 squad despite Roy Hodgson using him on ocassions during qualifying. Walcott’s inconsistency is a worry and with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the squad, Arsenal have two players with similar qualities. Walcott was a player expected to reach heights which he hasnt achieved and it might be wise for Arsenal to cash in on the English winger whilst he still has value. Walcott’s career could progress elsewhere but at Arsenal he seems to lack a spark. Cash in Arsenal and use the money wisely!