Three Arsenal stars who must fight for their life under Arteta in Premier League run-in

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There are a number of players in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad at Arsenal who desperately need to impress between now and the end of the season. 

There are several Arsenal stars who may not have a long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

For instance, Arsenal are almost certain that Aaron Ramsdale will leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window. Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny are also set to be released as free agents come the end of the current campaign. 

However, there are also a few players who may still feel that they have a future at Arsenal to fight for. 

Three Arsenal players who still need to prove their worth

Thomas Partey

There can be no doubting the quality of Thomas Partey, but his lack of availability is a huge problem. The main thing that the Ghanaian now needs to prove is that he can stay fit between now and the end of the season, having made his long-awaited return from injury against Sheffield United last time out. 

The 30-year-old was understandably rusty at Bramall Lane, as he misplaced several passes and did not look as assured and composed on the ball as usual. Mikel Arteta needs him to get back to his best quickly.

Overall, though, due to his recurrent injury issues, it would probably be for the best if Arsenal were to move on from Partey this summer.

Emile Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe is a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium, and like Partey, he has proven in the past that he can shine in the Premier League. Injuries have hindered his progress in the last couple of seasons, and he has fallen down the pecking order as a result.

Whilst opportunities have been hard to come by for the player, Arteta insists that Smith Rowe remains in his plans. It is now crunch time, though, for the 23-year-old to show that can still contribute to this team when called upon.

Reiss Nelson

As with Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson is a Hale End academy graduate struggling for minutes this season. Like Eddie Nketiah, he has largely been restricted to run-outs off the bench this season, when one of the first-choice attackers is in need of a rest.

Nelson only signed a new four-year deal with the Gunners last summer, but unless he starts really showing that he can take his game up a level in the next couple of months, it is hard to envisage a place for him in the squad next season.