I think our style of play has evolved since ESR last had a run in the team. Hence why I think he’s seen as dispensable

    lorddulaarsenal
    Disagree. He’s as much an Arteta player as anyone on this squad. ESR works hard and has some of the best technique I’ve seen on an academy grad. Remember before he started scoring I said the kid would score. Was always clear it would come given his ability to strike the ball in multiple ways. He also has incredible balance and an ability to control, pass and shoot well with both feet.

    Arteta wants highly technical players like this on his team.

      For those worried about Martinelli, look at his spider diagram. This is an elite attacker. Gets into dangerous positions and generates a ton of shots for himself and teammates.

        Qwiss Apologies if that's not a reliable source and started this discussion. But I think it's also quite natural if he can't get fit and we are open to listening to offers in July.

        I think Most people are just guessing Arteta thoughts here. Like I said could easily change if ESR stays fit from now on

          The chant is "Saka and Smith-Rowe ". Arteta, Mr. Identity himself, isn’t going to shoot himself in the foot that way.

          ESR is staying. The speculation is baseless.

          Can’t let El Neny leave unless we have a locked down signing. In our current set up I would rather El Neny as our 6 than to see Xhaka (or Lokonga) there.

            MistaT I wouldn't. I'd have him bottom of the 3. Definitely not as good as Xhaka there.

                Claudius there's a lot of grass is always greener thinking about Martinelli. If he was at any other club we'd all be dying to sign him. He's younger than Mudryk and has done way more in his career. I'd back him to have a better career too.

                  Qwiss — I’m amazed that anyone would consider Lokonga ahead of El Neny for the role of the 6.

                  El Neny’s limitations (sits too deep, shields instead of defends a man, and conservative passing) are all less concerning for that role than the issues we’ve seen with Lokonga.

                  Lokonga’s strengths are also not necessarily needed there. In Partey’s absence we could lean harder on White and Zinchenko for build up and possession.

                    Tavares at the Emirates today. Wonder if he’ll get another shot with us. Could sell him or keep and sell Tierney

                    Lokonga is out of his depth. Question is do we sell or loan to Marseilles?

                    Also, regarding El Neny and Holding, both have been great servants and ambassadors of the club.

                    It would be a shame to sell either mid season during a title push.

                    Clrnc Scratch that, he's here to stay. He's our number 9.

                    Scholes went one better saying he's the best pure Arsenal number 9 he has seen since Wrighty lol.

                    I think he’s got the best movement in the box since Wright for sure. He’s outstanding in this regard.

                      It's hard to look at our pursuit of Mudryk and Trossard and think that Arteta is committed to Smith Rowe. LW is his best position. And he hasn't been fit and performing for about a year now. He has ability but don't think he has the physical/mental consistency/intensity/stamina that Arteta looks for. Tough to be so ruthless with an academy product but if he really attracts a £50m offer then it's the best thing for the club (and the player).

                        MistaT I think this is right and it's best for Nuno too. He's a talent but he's not going to do anything resembling what Zinchenko's doing. Surely that's why we're so hotly linked to Kiwior: we're looking for screening, positioning and press-beating qualities on each side, not freakishly athletic wingbacks.

                            Burnwinter
                            I think Kiwior is actually an alternate lineup player. He looks more like White than Zinchenko. Kiwior would be paired with Fresneda who plays more like Zinchenko and drives into midfield.

                            So we can flip the squad basically. These moves leave one clear that Tierney is done. Maybe Tomi goes to Saliba backup/utility. And then Holding also leaves.

                                Claudius I think Kiwior is actually an alternate lineup player. He looks more like White than Zinchenko. Kiwior would be paired with Fresneda who plays more like Zinchenko and drives into midfield.

                                Don't disagree, sort of, but most of our defensive signings since KSE really got going in summer 2021 have been "alternate lineup" players due to their flexibility. Kiwior and Fresneda follow in the mould of White, Zinchenko and Tomiyasu … they all have utility in multiple positions, they're all at least decent on the ball, they all have a certain range. It's been savvy, modern recruiting and each new target tends to prove it was all planned.