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      Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal transformation with just TWO players from first game in charge likely to start vs Crystal Palace

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      ARSENAL have utterly transformed since Mikel Arteta took over as manager.The Spaniard has spent big once again this summer and could hand debuts to Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and William Saliba against Crystal Palace on Friday.
      Arsenal looked vastly different in Mikel Arteta’s first game
      Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka are the only surviving members from Arteta’s first gameCredit: Getty
      But the changes do not stop there, and the Arsenal team that lines up at Selhurst Park could feature JUST TWO players who started in Arteta’s first game in charge – Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka.
      The Boxing Day 2019 fixture away at Bournemouth ended in a 1-1 draw with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring.
      Saka featured at left-back that day but will be tasked with providing a creative spark at Palace and helping get Jesus off to a flying start.
      The striker scored seven goals in pre-season and has replaced Alexandre Lacazette as Arsenal’s main striker, who incidentally started in Arteta’s first game.
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      The Frenchman lasted longer than most with Sokratis Papastathopoulos shipped out the following summer in a loan deal which Olympiacos made permanent in 2021.
      Mesut Ozil and David Luiz also left in the summer of 2021 to be replaced by Ben White and new Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
      It also did not take long for Arteta to deem Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson and Lucas Torreira surplus to requirements.
      The trio have all had multiple loan spells since Arteta took over and their futures at the club look bleak – Torreira has been linked with a permanent switch to Galatasaray this summer.
      There could be three debutants for Arsenal at Crystal Palace
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      The goalkeeper against Bournemouth, Bernd Leno, completed a transfer to Fulham this week after he was made No2 to Aaron Ramsdale by Arteta last season.
      And of the three substitutes Arteta used that day, only Nicolas Pepe remains with Joe Willock and Skhodran Mustafi moving to Newcastle and Schalke respectively. More

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      Three key issues for Arsenal against Crystal Palace as Arteta’s new-look side must improve against Vieira’s tough team

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      THE greatest show on Earth is back this weekend – and it all starts with Crystal Palace vs Arsenal on Friday night.If Arsenal are finally going to crack the top four this season this is exactly the kind of game they need to be better in than last season.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is aiming for a top-four finishCredit: Getty
      Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has been rebuilding the side at PalaceCredit: PA
      There are three key areas where this opening day fixture is going to be won or lost by either side.
      Last season saw the incoming Palace boss Patrick Vieira build a mixture of players who were young and hungry blended with older players with a point to prove – and Palace progressed to finish safely in mid-table.
      Arsenal, on the other hand, suffered a more difficult season and a late season collapse saw them miss out on a top-four finish.
      This summer has seen the Arsenal board back their Spanish coach Mikel Arteta to the hilt.
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      The club have been busy with the signings of Fabio Vieria, from FC Porto, and Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, both from Manchester City, and they probably come into this match as early favourites.
      Movement in the Arsenal build-up
      Mikel Arteta is a very modern coach whose style incorporates positional play, similar to that of Pep Guardiola, and aggressive vertical play, similar to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
      One of the most important things for Arteta’s side is the way that they build up the play from the back and move through the thirds of the pitch.
      Arteta has been intent on expecting his team to play out from the back since he took charge but this concept does not come without risks as players can make mistakes or be caught in possession.
      The signing of Zinchenko brings flexibility to Arsenal’s ball progression in the middle third. The Ukrainian winger is comfortable making inside runs and allowing the central midfielders to move outside, as Xhaka does here
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      We are likely to see both sides line up in 4-3-3 formations and often when matching up tactically in this manner it can be difficult for the team in possession to create space to move the ball through the thirds.
      Arsenal are now in a position to create space with more rotational movement in the midfield.
      This will typically come with Zinchenko positioned at left-back as he will generally look to get into positions in the channels or even the central areas as his side are building out from the back.
      This can then be combined with the moments from the Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has a tendency to move out to the channels to create space and options.
      These rotations will make it notably more difficult for the Crystal Palace midfielders to cope with the ball progression from Arsenal.
      In deeper areas this season we are likely to see both fullbacks for Arsenal move narrow and in line with the deepest midfielder. This is to allow Arsenal to outnumber the opposition press and make sure that the ball can be progressed forward
      Oleksandr Zinchenko is one of the new recruits out to impress this seasonCredit: Getty

      In deeper positions, we will also see the fullbacks, likely to be Zinchenko and Ben White in this match, move narrow in order to give passing options and overloads for Arsenal.
      This will make it very difficult for Crystal Palace to effectively press and disrupt the Arsenal build-up.
      Crystal Palace’s strong spine
      Vieira and Crystal Palace have followed sound squad-building logic in that they have built a strong spine to their squad.
      This has been further enhanced by the very smart signing of Cheick Doucoure from Lens of France.
      Now, we see a spine of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi as the central midfielders, Doucoure as the deepest midfielder and one of Odsonne Edouard or Jean-Phillipe Mateta in attack.
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      Mateta will make aggressive runs behind the defensive line to force the opposition defenders to cover his run and this allows teammates to attack into space. We see this here as Edouard is able to cut inside and attack the space that Mateta has left behind
      Mateta, in particular, is a very interesting forward as a lot of his work is done off the ball and his runs and clever movement will be important for Palace in this game.
      He can create space for teammates with his willingness to make angled runs away from the ball that either attack into the channels or wide areas or access space behind the defensive line.
      These runs are dangerous because Mateta does carry a threat to goal and as such his runs have to be defended.
      Palace fans will also be hopeful that we are going to see a full debut for the Malian international midfielder Doucoure.
      He is going to play as the deepest midfielder and his ability to read the game and break up play will be key in preventing Arsenal from dominating the central areas of the pitch. 
      Doucoure, in his final match for Lens, is more than a destructive midfielder and he will position himself at the base of the attack. When in possession in these areas Doucoure can find runners in all areas of the pitch
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      Doucoure is more than capable of breaking through the Arsenal press in the midfield either through forward runs as he carries the ball or via his passing which is generally very strong.
      With Arsenal likely to play a combination of Thomas Partey and Xhaka in the midfield with Martin Odegaard given more freedom.
      The ability of Doucoure to hold the centre of the pitch in this game will be important for Crystal Palace in this game.
      Solving a problem like Gabriel Jesus
      When the Brazilian international forward Gabriel Jesus completed his move from Manchester City there was a general consensus among fans of the Premier League that this would mean that Arteta would play him in his favoured central striking position for Arsenal.
      This was seen as especially important for Arsenal to solve given that Alexandre Lacazette left at the end of last season to return to Lyon.
      Last weekend we saw Arsenal demolish the Spanish side Sevilla in the Emirates Cup 6-0 and the movement of Gabriel Jesus, in particular, caught the eye.
      Gabriel Jesus still showed a tendency to come out to the left-side to receive the ball in space. In this example he then slipped the ball to Xhaka who was making an intelligent forward run before making an aggressive run into the centre of the area
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      In this match, we saw Jesus keep drifting out to the channel on the left side of the pitch with Garbriel Martinelli moving inside.
      In these positions, Jesus is a huge threat to take possession of the ball and either link with teammates or drive inside to create a shooting angle.
      The fact that Jesus can play as a traditional 9 or as more of a fluid all-round attacking player creates options that will be difficult to defend against for Crystal Palace in this match.
      Jesus has pulled out wide to access intelligent space in the wide area. He can receive here and either drive outside the defender or cut inside. This will be very difficult for Palace to defend. We also see once against the positioning of the Arsenal fullbacks at the base of the attack
      How Arsenal could line up against Palace
      While Anderson and Guehi represent a strong partnership in the centre of the defence for Crystal Palace they will be seriously tested in this match against an Arsenal side who are very fluid in the attack.
      What does all this mean?
      Arsenal, obviously, will be keen to get off to a winning start so they can convince us all they really are Champions League qualifying material.
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      Palace know it is a long season for them and that they are looking for steady progress which might take them nearer Europe. 
      Realistically, it really could go either way – so probably a draw – but seeing how Arsenal come together around Jesus is slightly more exciting than seeing how Palace’s strong spine work out.
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      How Arsenal could line up in Premier League opener against Crystal Palace with Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba starting

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      MIKEL ARTETA is primed to hand out some exciting debuts as Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace on Friday night.The Gunners will get the new Prem season up and running desperate to avoid history repeating itself.

      Arsenal fans are excited to see Gabriel Jesus in actionCredit: Getty
      Arsenal were humiliated 2-0 by new-boys Brentford in the Friday night curtain raiser 12 months ago.
      While they were battered 3-0 at Selhurst Park in April as their top four challenge unravelled.
      Arteta, 40, will feel confident that his side are far better placed to get off to a good start this time around, having lost their first three matches last year.
      After spending another £118million this summer, the Spaniard’s greater squad depth will afford no excuses – despite already possessing a bothersome injury list.
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      Arsenal thumped Sevilla 6-0 in their final pre-season friendly last week – with new boy Gabriel Jesus crashing home a first Emirates hat-trick.
      Arteta is likely to go with the same XI that trounced the Spanish outfit when he takes his side south of the river.
      Aaron Ramsdale will start the season between the sticks – with Bernd Leno, the man that began the Brentford disaster last season, having now been sold to Fulham.
      While William Saliba could finally be handed his debut at centre-back – THREE YEARS after joining for £27m.
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      The Frenchman is set to be picked alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back, with Takehiro Tomiyasu’s latest injury prompting Ben White being shuffled to right-back.
      Alternatively Cedric Soares could come in, while Hector Bellerin is back at the club and was an unused substitute against Sevilla.
      First-choice left-back Kieran Tierney hasn’t played since Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly against FC Nurnberg, having suffered a further knee issue.
      This could offer Oleksandr Zinchenko an opportunity to debut at left-back.
      Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka remain Arteta’s first choice midfield pairing, with Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga in reserve.
      New captain Martin Odegaard will be creator-in-chief in the No10 position – with alternative Fabio Vieira having suffered with a foot injury.
      Emile Smith Rowe is also set to miss out with a muscular issue, like Tierney having not featured since playing FC Nurnberg on July 8.
      Bukayo Saka will start on the right flank after his two-goal performance against Sevilla – with Nicolas Pepe in reserve.
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      While Gabriel Martinelli is set to get the nod on the left-flank – Reiss Nelson and Marquinhos being Arteta’s only other options.
      Fans will be excited to watch Jesus’ competitive debut following his hat-trick last week, while Eddie Nketiah will be back on the bench after penning a new £100,000-a-week extension at the end of last season.
      William Saliba will finally be picked by ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal send Charlie Patino, 18, to Blackpool on season-long loan transfer to give midfielder first-team experience

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      ARSENAL starlet Charlie Patino has completed his season-long loan switch to Championship side Blackpool.The 18-year-old, who has been likened to Phil Foden, has signed for the Seasiders in his quest to play regular first-team football.
      Blackpool have announced the signing of midfielder Charlie Patino from Arsenal on loanCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10
      Patino has joined the Seasiders in his bid to play regular first-team footballCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10
      But the deal does not include a buy-option – with the Gunners believing the midfielder has a huge future in North London.
      Patino featured twice under Mikel Arteta last term with the teenager scoring on his debut against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup just before Christmas.
      He then started in the 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, but he struggled against Steve Cooper’s side.
      And he has now decided to link up with Blackpool, where he could feature against Stoke on Saturday.
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      Speaking to Blackpool’s website: “This is a great opportunity for me, and I think I’m ready to take this on. It’s the next step of my career and I’m really excited to get going.
      “I spoke to Danny Ballard and Dujon Sterling before coming to the Club and they were full of praise and said it’s an amazing place to be where everybody is welcome.
      “They also mentioned the fans, the Tangerine Army, who are always on their feet at home and away games.
      “I’m just buzzing to play in front of them and show them what I’m about.”   
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      Boss Michael Appleton added: “Charlie is a very talented boy and I’m delighted that Arsenal have trusted us to look after him and further his development.
      “The club has a good relationship with Arsenal from previous loan deals, as I have personally from taking players to my former clubs, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy being the most recent last season.
      “Charlie is one of the best midfielders in his age group and I can’t wait to start working with him.”
      Patino has followed academy team-mate Folarin Balogin out the Arsenal door, with the exciting striker linking up with French side Reims on loan.
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      Meanwhile. playmaker Marcelo Flores has opted to join Spanish club Real Oviedo on a temporary deal.
      And goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has already made the move to League One outfit Crewe on loan, where he played in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Rochdale.
      England youth international Patino could feature against Stoke on SaturdayCredit: Twitter: @CharliePatino10 More

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      Emile Smith Rowe admits he wasn’t the ‘standout’ player in Arsenal’s academy – with forgotten man given that honour

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      EMILE SMITH ROWE claims forgotten striker Reiss Nelson overshadowed him – before their Arsenal careers went in opposite directions.Midfielder Smith Rowe has won two England caps, while fellow 22-year-old Nelson has failed to break through on a consistent basis.
      Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe says he ‘could not believe’ the talent Reiss Nelson showedCredit: Getty
      Gunners attacker Reiss Nelson has struggled to fulfil his academy promiseCredit: Getty
      ESR is buoyant as Mikel Arteta’s men – with Gabriel Jesus the pick of five summer signings – await Friday’s Premier League opener at Crystal Palace.
      In contrast, ex-Hoffenheim and Feyenoord loanee Nelson is likely to will start the season again pondering his transfer window fate.
      But asked to name the best same-age player from Arsenal’s academy, Smith Rowe had no doubts.
      He told the Vibe with Five YouTube channel: “Reiss Nelson – he was the one in my age group.
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      “The things he used to do, you couldn’t believe it sometimes.”
      Nelson won 12 England Under-21 caps but has played just 48 times for the Gunners, netting four goals.
      ESR, likewise, had two loan spells – at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield – and both Londoners can operate as attacking widemen.
      But there the similarities end.
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      Smith Rowe’s status at Arsenal has improved year on year, except for a few stumbles last season.
      And he’s excited by Arteta’s squad revamp.
      He said: “The players that have come back [from loans], I already know how good they are so it’s not a surprise to see how good they are and how well they are doing.
      “But from the new players, I think Gabriel Jesus. I didn’t actually realise how sharp he was!
      “Obviously I’ve played against him and watched Man City a lot but when you actually see him in training… I’ve been telling my friends that he’s ridiculous.
      ‘REALLY EXCITED’
      “Everyone in the team is really excited for the new season and the fans should be as well I think.”
      Smith Rowe was even spot-on with his humble assessment of his youth career – at least according to one of his former coaches.
      Andries Jonker, now boss of Dutch second-tier side Telstar, said ESR “never looked the greatest talent in the academy”.
      Jonker told Norwegian outlet TV2: “He was always motivated and dedicated… very stable with his performances.
      “We definitely thought he could have a career in football, but I don’t think many predicted that he would get in the first team of Arsenal.” More

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      ‘Youri Telemans would be ideal’ – Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn says Leicester midfielder would be perfect transfer

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      NIGEL WINTERBURN has urged Arsenal to sign Leicester star Youri Tielemans as the club legend stated a new midfielder should be a priority.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has already declared he is pushing for more transfers as he continues his squad overhaul.
      Arsenal icon Nigel Winterburn wants the club to bring in Youri Tielemans from LeicesterCredit: Splash
      Tielemans, 25, has been linked with a move away from the Foxes having entered the final year of his contractCredit: Rex
      Five players have been brought to the Emirates with Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner all snapped up this summer.
      And there have been strong rumours that Tielemans could be next, with the 25-year-old Belgian having just a year left on his deal at the King Power Stadium.
      Leicester are reportedly expecting Arsenal to make a move for the star, but the North London outfit are yet to turn their interest into a formal approach.
      It was claimed in June how Arsenal had already agreed personal terms with the player.
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      And Winterburn, who won three league titles with Arsenal between 1987 and 2000, thinks Tielemans would be a perfect fit due to his Premier League experience.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport on behalf of FreeSuperTips, the 58-year-old was asked who would his preferred signing be.
      To which the two-time FA Cup winner said: “It’s a tough one, but I do think we still need a midfield player so somebody like a Tielemans would be ideal.
      “He’s had Premier League experience so he would fit into the sort of players Arsenal are looking at.
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      “I just think with that transfer that it’s been mentioned for so long now that I’m not sure that it’s going to happen.
      “But they need that sort of player in the midfield, you look at Arsenal’s activity over the past two seasons, there’s a lot of young talent coming in.
      “There are also players coming in with Premier League experience as well, so I would think that’s the strategy Arsenal are going with.
      “You’re never quite sure what’s fully going on at your club as a fan, but you’d think somebody along those lines would come in with Premier League experience.
      “They’ll need to have the energy to play in this Arsenal side because I think Arsenal will look to play a pressing game this season, particularly at the start of games.
      “Somebody like Tielemans will be good but trying to predict what Arteta and Edu are going to do can be difficult.
      “It could be someone younger who we’ve not heard about and developing for the future which is what did last season and this season.
      “But if they make another signing, I’m hoping it’s the right one and that they can come straight into this team.”
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has declared he hopes to bring in more players before the window slams shutCredit: Reuters
      Winterburn was also full of praise for Arsenal’s new-look attack, as well as French centre-back William Saliba after an impressive pre-season following his loan at Marseille.
      He remarked: “If you look at Saliba, he’s done very well defensively and it will be a step up for him in the Premier League, but he hasn’t done anything wrong.
      “He looks comfortable, he looks good on the ball, and he has pace.
      “Positioning wise it looks good, so let’s take it forward into the Premier League and see what happens there.
      “With Jesus and Zinchenko I fit they’ll just slot right in, but what’s impressed me most is the link up play between Jesus, [Martin] Odegaard, [Bukayo] Saka and [Gabriel] Martinelli.
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      “That’s alongside the work rate and the pressing from the front, it’s high energy and if they can keep those players fit and in good form then it looks exciting.
      “Arsenal certainly look like they have an exciting attacking line up for the season.” More

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      Arsenal star Folarin Balogun completes season-long loan transfer to French side Reims with no buying option in deal

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      FOLARIN BALOGUN has joined Stade de Reims on a season-long loan from Arsenal.The deal will see him compete in Ligue 1 until June 2023.
      Balogun has signed for Reims on a season-long loanCredit: stade-de-reims.com
      The deal does not include an option to buyCredit: @stadereims
      Despite previous speculation linking the 21-year-old with a permanent move to France, there is no option to buy clause in the contract.
      The Gunners still believe that Balogun will have a huge future at the club.
      A statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Flo all the best this coming season with Stade de Reims.
      “The loan deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
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      Balogun is a graduate of Arsenal’s world renowned Hale End Academy.
      He made his first team debut in November 2020, five months before signing a long-term contract with the club.
      The striker spent the second half of last season on loan with Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he scored three goals and assisted three in 18 league appearances.
      He also helped Boro to the FA Cup quarter-finals, defeating the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United along the way.
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      Reims had prioritised signing a striker this summer following the departure of Hugo Ekitike, who recently joined PSG. More

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      Arsenal will look to axe EIGHT flops including record transfer Nicolas Pepe to help fund Mikel Arteta’s summer spree

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      THERE is positivity in the air ahead of the new season, that’s for sure. The exciting new additions and an instant chemistry between Gabriel Jesus and his team-mates has got Arsenal fans relishing the curtain-raiser.
      Nicolas Pepe has underdelivered after his £72m transferCredit: Getty
      Hector Bellerin could leave if Real Betis stump up the cashCredit: Getty
      But there is also some concern at the number of players not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans still at the club.
      And some of those who are surplus to requirements will need to be shipped out before further additions come in.
      Frustratingly, to myself and many other Gunners fans, these individuals were taken on the pre-season tour, which deprived us of the chance to see more Hale Enders impress.
      So, who are the misfits Arsenal should shift before the transfer window closes to fund and make room for the desired central midfielder and another winger?
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      Nicolas Pepe
      The Ivorian has been a constant frustration to Arteta and he is certainly one who has been given chances to adapt to the way his coach wants him to play.
      Pepe has amazing skills and an eye for goal, but his link play, work rate and speed of thought are simply not in tune with the rest of theteam.
      His plus points are far outweighed by his minuses, and as revealed by SunSport, the club will have to sell him at a huge loss, if they can find a buyer.
      His wages may well prove a sticking point and I can see a loanwith Arsenal having to fund some of his exorbitant salary, sadly.
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      Hector Bellerin
      I think most fans see Bellerin as one of our own. His length of service, loyalty and inherited cockney twang will see him leave with all our blessing but leave he must.
      The current right-back we have on our books is not the same one who lifted three FA Cups because he lost the devastating turn of pace which made him the player he was at his fabulous best.
      I hope Betis can raise the funds to buy him after his successful loan there in 2021-22.
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      Pablo Mari
      Arteta has to take this one on the chin as the Spaniard wanted his compatriot.
      The manager obviously wanted a left-footed centre-back but Gabriel is far superior to Mari.
      Mari is good enough in the air and his distribution more than adequate, but his lack of pace has been consistently exposed in the Premier League.
      The Spaniard seems far more suited to Serie A where he spent last season with Udinese.
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles
      The irony of his manager now buying versatility players on purpose, when the popular Englishman seemed to be a victim of that attribute, will not be lost on AMN.
      Neither loan at West Brom or Roma have led to anything and a team that buys him will first have to promise him a midfield role I suspect.
      The arrival of Albert Sambi Lokonga and the contract renewal of Mohamed Elneny will severely limit game time for this frustrated player.
      But as a homegrown player with undoubted ability, I hope a mid-table Premier League side might bid for him.
      Lucas Torreira
      After two successful loans in Spain and Italy, it is surprising to me that the tenacious midfielder has so few suitors.
      There seems no way back for him under Arteta, who I sense sees the Uruguayan as simply not physical enough for the anchor role and also mistrusts his passing accuracy.
      The player and his agent are both on record saying the player never truly settled in London so I hope we can get a reasonable bid for this popular squad member.
      Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be moved on before the transfer window closesCredit: Getty
      Reiss Nelson has not quite lived up to the hype despite his talentCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta still wants to bring in more new recruits this summerCredit: Splash
      Reiss Nelson
      Nelson has never truly kicked on despite his obvious talent and flair – another one Arteta has never truly trusted.
      I am sure that once the winger finds a home where he is loved and played consistently his career will reignite… but it will not be at Arsenal.
      The club will have watched him last season in the Dutch top-flight and had they been impressed they would not have purchased Marquinhos and bid for Raphinha.
      Alex Runarsson
      With the arrival of Matt Turner and the rise of Arthur Okonkwo, Arsenal need to simply rip up the Icelandic keeper’s contract and put it down as a reckless risk that failed to pay off.
      Matt Smith
      Despite having more medals than Harry Kane, it is time for this talented midfielder to be sold so he can flourish.
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      Smith is 22 soon and he deserves to be playing regularly.
      He was virtually ever-present for Doncaster last season in League One, but I would hope a Championship side will gamble on him. More