A lot of talks on Elneny out now.

And heard a certain Locatelli coming in

    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.

                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.