There is absolutely no need for us to sell either of them. When we have a warchest of ₁₀₀ mil to spend on Murdyk, why would even sell any of the higher ceiling players?

If we care about these lads, we absolutely should move on anyone who's not going to graduate to a regular place in the first XI across at least a couple of competitions.

I regret what we've done to some of our youth products in recent seasons. Maitland-Niles for example—I would hate for Smith Rowe to end up in his shoes because he wasted another couple of years in his development as an occasional substitute.

Pretty obvious Smith Rowe's not yet done at Arsenal, but I don't want him benched and half-injured all next season as he has been for this one.

I agree that Emile's fitness remains the big question mark, but he's far more talented than AMN and also seems more professional. For those reasons I just can't see him being peripheral player for us unless it's due to fitness.

mohan - our 100m war chest has been whittled down via Trossard and Kiwior. We also learned that while we were willing to pay 80+m we couldn’t do it with aggressive payments (which Chelsea did).

I think we’ll free up some funds this summer and add _£50m in revenue (shifting players, CL and league pay out). But if we truly want a renewed war chest we may need to move a player like ESR, or get top dollar for Tierney/Balogun.

So long as there's a real plan for him. He was born to play attacking midfield. If he doesn't get regular matches, his valuation's gone in twelve months along with his exit to a club good enough for his potential. Not saying he won't, but if Arteta doesn't say so … he won't.

We have to be realistic as we tie down the first team youngsters to the bumper contracts they're demanding. Anyone who's not 100% in that bracket has to be viewed as saleable, it's good for them and for us.

A few days ago we were signing Mudryk to play ahead of Martinelli to play ahead of Smith Rowe. Now we have Trossard and it's not quite the same story, but it's not far off.

If that doesn't motivate him to the next level, the one that might result in him benching Xhaka, I don't know what you do. But the time's clearly now to get fit and break through again.

I grt what you are saying. But if we have European competition and he stays reasonably fit then I can't see any reason why he wouldn't get plenty of minutes. If we were to sell him then it would logically be to replace him in the squad with a player who is at least as good, otherwise what is the point? And unless that player comes from within, then how much would it cost us to buy? We've seen how fucking wacko "the market" for quality players can be. We need at least 5 quality players rotating through the front 4 positions and ESR is certainly capable of being one of those. If he's playing regularly and we're doing well, why would he want to move elsewhere? If he isn't happy with a role like that in those circumstances then that's a different matter.

Yeah I get it too. And he's Hale End.

But we're going to need to start looking at our world a bit differently if 2023 Arsenal is to go beyond being a one off squad that plays nice-looking football and threatens to win a couple of trophies. I don't mean being pointlessly ruthless.

Since when is Indykaila a reputable source?

Burnwinter A few days ago we were signing Mudryk to play ahead of Martinelli

We really were not.

DiabyKungFu We were signing him for the first XI, he's benching someone as soon as he's adapted.

Burnwinter We were signing him for the first XI,

We really were not.

goon I'm with you, I find this chat staggering. We've all been discussing a lack of depth in the squad for months - we sign one player and it's adiós Emile!

I read something a few days ago that suggested Arteta was looking to try Emile as one of his two 8s before the injury intervened. So, whilst the forward line just got a little more crowded, it's not as if he can't play anywhere else - especially given that pretty much everyone here has identified Xhaka as someone who could be improved upon as one of our two 8s.

I believe it is. Think Arteta quite likes ESR, as we all do. And it's unfair to compare him to AMN or others who may have clashed with Arteta.

ESR doesn't look like he'd ever kick up a fuss, he certainly didn't last season when he was our top scorer putting one in almost every game only to disappear from the starting lineup.

Now that we are challenging for the title, and have a pretty good and settled team, I find it even more doubtful he'd push for a move or put his place in the squad at risk by doing or saying anything that will get him on Arteta's bad side. You seen what Holding was saying recently about Lacazette? Think everyone wants to be here and be part of what we're building, first XI or otherwise.

Big Willie what did he say about Lacazette?

Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert Holding was quoted in an article saying Laca told him "don't imagine the grass is greener" and apparently Laca says that while he's happy at Lyon, Arsenal is a special club.

Hope Saliba, Saka and Martinelli read that one.

Where did you here about Locatelli?

RocktheCasbah Everyone spends the season lamenting our lack of depth and worrying about what an injury to Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, etc would mean and now they're talking about moving on quality players because they aren't "first XI". We need to shake off this midtable mentality, we are beyond that now.

The idea of selling off probably the 2nd best talent we've produced since Wilshere doesn't sit well with me at all. We are talking about a 22 year old who's done way more in the league than alot of other 22 year olds. I'm not seeing any value in selling him and replacing him an unknown quantity. I'd rather bet on ESRs fitness than bet on another Fabio Vieira.

Clrnc It makes sense for Elneny to go. He's barely played lately and the drop off from Partey to Elneny is the most glaring in the side.

Qwiss

Clearly that is what we are doing. We sent the boy away for surgery to heal properly. That’s because we have a strong first eleven that gives us the space to try to solve this for good.

We’ve been dealing with these ESR injuries for 3 years. I cannot see us continuing another 3 years like this. If he doesn’t come good in a year or two, his place will really be at risk.

But.. this is not today’s agenda. We have 2 or 3 things we need to do first.

Obviously if he can't get fit it changes things but this is the "OUTS 2023" thread. People seem to be suggesting a sooner push.

Qwiss IF we bring someone in to take the squad place.

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.

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.

“Saka and Leeeee-ooo Tross-ard!”

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

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?