A good thread about our squad and Arteta’s style : Gunners

Despite the current very bad situation, I’m looking at the squad today and it’s not as terrifying as some make out. It does however require a pretty brutal cull in the summer.

I appreciate this is all very “armchair” but the major serious points from what I’m seeing are:

• Lack of a functional midfield, with very technically limited players in those positions

• Lack of starting quality central defenders (and far too many in number)

• Lack of a winning mentality and culture stemming from the Senior players

What I’d love to see?

We have a big list of outs – the squad is huge and bloated – but a relatively small list of “ins” in comparison, maybe 4-5 bodies for a full rebuild. 2 in midfield, 1-2 in defence, and 1 striker would probably do it. Funds should be available by moving on Auba, Laca, Kola and Xhaka. Bringing Osei-Tutu back to the fold to compete at right back, a starting centre-back, and 2 starting central midfielders, along with someone like Lyon’s Dembele would actually have us resembling a decent young squad. Nketiah is showing he can comfortably take a back-up role as striker, with Martinelli capable of playing both there and on the left. Saka is more than capable of deputising as required for Tierney.

Auba, Laca, Luiz, Kola, Sokratis, Xhaka, Ceballos and I would argue Guendouzi shouldn’t be at the club next season. Ozil won’t go anywhere on those wages and we’re stuck with him, but I’d argue with Something like Partey / Torreira behind him, that might not be the worst thing in the world and can at least do a job. We have some really excellent young players who can be a big part of the team next season. It’s the senior players who have consistently let us down.

I’d also want to see either Leno or potentially Tierney picking up the armband with a fairly fresh squad. Leno has been a rock and professional role model throughout his time with us, whilst we know from his history Tierney is the right kind of personality to build around. I’m not sure Hector is, though I think he’s a good one to keep for now.