It's been a horrible couple of weeks for Arsenal and I don't think they'll be remembered in a hurry, not for the right reasons anyway. Mikel Arteta's side endured a third consecutive league defeat after losing to Southampton on Saturday, leaving the possibility of Champions League qualification in serious danger.
As fans try to figure out why things have gone so badly wrong, a sense of deja vu has all of a sudden appeared and current indications point towards it being another underwhelming conclusion to the Gunners' season.
I don't think there's any doubt that this Arsenal team has talent and potential, it will continue to improve for many years to come. Although that is promising, more simply has to be done in order to get it to where it needs to be to compete against some of the best within the game, let alone Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.
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After January only saw departures take place, strengthening the squad must be at the heart of what Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu do this summer. However, some players will have to leave to not only create more room but to ensure further squad improvements are seen overall. With this in mind, let's take a look at nine first-team players that I believe must leave this summer.
1. Bernd Leno
This one has got nothing to do with quality and I would be more than happy to see Bernd stay, but a lack of game time along with Matt Turner's expected arrival leaves Arsenal and the player with very little choice. The 30-year-old will only have one year remaining on his contract in June, so I would be pleasantly surprised if the club is able to receive much for him. Despite this, Leno remains an established goalkeeper who still has a lot to offer, so there's a good chance to gain between £10million to £20million at least.
2. Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard is currently on loan with Real Betis and like Leno, sees his contract expire next year. There are problems that still need fixing at right-back, but I'm not sure Hector is the answer. It's good to see that he is managing to stay fit while getting minutes under his belt, but unfortunately he was never able to return to the levels previously reached following a number of injuries. I will always have a soft spot for him, but Bellerin is someone else who could help the club gain a few million.
3. Cedric Soares
First off, credit where credit is due for Cedric. He initially came under a lot of criticism earlier this season following some disappointing displays, but I think it's only fair to recognise his turnaround in form over the past two months. However, the question is can we do better? Respectively, yes we can. Takehiro Tomiyasu will no doubt retrieve his place when he returns from injury, but reoccurring niggles have meant that Cedric has played more games than him so far this season. A younger, more reliable option should be acquired by Edu to ensure the gap in quality between the first choice and backup is reduced.
4. Pablo Mari
Not the worst bit of business the club has done in a January window, but far from the best. Mari is a decent squad option to have, but for Arsenal, that's all he can be. Gabriel and Ben White's success in addition to the potential return of William Saliba mean that a route back into Arteta's plans has pretty much been shut off for the defender.
5. Mohamed Elneny
He may give 100% for the club, but the fact Elneny has only started once in the league this season just goes to show that he has continued to fall down the pecking order. Out of contract in the summer, now is the best time for him to move on.
6. Reiss Nelson
One goal and three assists in recent weeks suggest the 22-year-old winger is finally making progress on loan at Feyenoord, albeit slowly. Nelson clearly possesses talent and potential, but a lack of consistency remains a big worry. Additionally, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe all flourishing, It's hard to see a way back in for the young Englishman.
7. Nicolas Pepe
I don't think I'm the only one who believes it's the beginning of the end for the Ivorian in north London. He has made just five league starts so far this campaign and considering the aforementioned names above are miles ahead in terms of consistency, contribution and potential, I just don't see the point in Pepe staying. He will no doubt be on a significant wage packet and with two years remaining on his deal, a transfer away should be sought before it's too late and his price decreases any further. It just hasn't worked out for him.
8. Eddie Nketiah
Goals against AFC Wimbledon, Sunderland and Leeds are the only ones Nketiah has to his name so far this season. The most frustrating part is that he doesn't look like he's going to add to that any time soon. Often used as a late substitute, England U21's top scorer has not been able to reach similar heights at club level and will become a free agent once his contract expires in June.
9. Alexandre Lacazette
In a way, I really wish Laca didn't make this list. Okay, so his goal drought from open play is a massive concern and he perhaps isn't at the level he once was, but his leadership will be missed if he is to depart this summer. Like Elneny and Nketiah, the Frenchman's deal expires in a few months' time. Arteta has confirmed that talks over the forwards future will resume once the season concludes, but there are currently no indications a new contract will be signed. Unfortunately, six goals in 31 appearances says all you need to know. It's nowhere near good enough for a striker representing Arsenal Football Club and if it wants to progress, ruthless decisions must be made.
*Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira not included due to buy options in their respective loan deals.
