Arsenal have fallen short in their pursuit of the club’s first Premier League title since the ‘Invincible’ season in 2004.
A disappointing 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest followed a devastating 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium to leave Arsenal 13 points behind in the Premier League title race.
Whilst there are mitigating factors like Arsenal’s injury crisis this season, the fact is the Gunners have not been good enough yet again to pick up the major domestic honour.
David Seaman believes Arsenal have been unlucky but Mikel Arteta will need to refresh his ideas ahead of next season and may have to make some ruthless decisions in terms of his starting line up.
Three players Mikel Arteta needs to replace in his Arsenal XI
Whilst Arteta does have an excellent Arsenal squad when everybody is fit, there is little doubt that the starting eleven still has room for improvement if the Gunners want to win their first league title for over 20 years.
It has been a rare occurrence this season but many believe that Arsenal’s current best XI looks like this on paper.
Some fans may argue that the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly or Riccardo Calafiori should be in at full back however, at the start of the season when everybody was fit and available the back five above was chosen by the manager.
It highlights the strength in depth that the Gunners have in defensive areas and why Arteta needs to replace three attacking players if Arsenal are to stand any chance of winning the league next season.
Martin Odegaard
Club captain Martin Odegaard has been a fantastic signing for Arsenal since his arrival from Real Madrid and will no doubt continue to play a huge role in the future.
However, Darren Bent believes Odegaard has been ‘appalling’ this season and in recent months the Gunners supporters have begun to turn on the Norwegian.
Fans were furious with Odegaard’s performance against West Ham and have even questioned his mentality in taking responsibility for the team when the chips are down.
Odegaard also has certain limitations to his game, he is not the best ball striker and struggle to carry the ball quickly in transition. Ethan Nwaneri could be an internal candidate to replace the skipper in the starting line up.
Arteta may also look at the number ten position as an area to target in the summer, Arsenal have been linked with Matheus Cunha, who would bring that power and goal threat required from an attacking midfielder.
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal have missed Gabriel Martinelli’s pace during his injury absence however, the Brazilian has endured a disappointing couple of seasons in the red and white shirt.
He isn’t currently playing with the same energy and confidence as he did when he first burst on to the scene at the Emirates and the left wing position has become so key as to how Arsenal play under Arteta.
Arsenal are interested in Nico Williams and it could well be that Martinelli loses his place in Arteta’s side should the Spanish talent arrive at the club in the summer.
It doesn’t mean the end for the 23-year-old, despite Saudi interest in Martinelli but it may mean he is utilised as more of an impact sub next season.
Kai Havertz
As a striker, this season should be the end of Kai Havertz in the Arsenal starting line up. That is not to say there isn’t another role for the German in the side, he could be an option to replace Odegaard but Arsenal need a clinical finisher up top.
Arsenal fans owe Havertz an apology for it is clear how much the side have missed him in his absence with a hamstring tear but the amount of crucial missed opportunities this season cannot be repeated next campaign.
Arsenal are ready to bid for Alexander Isak should he reject a new contract at Newcastle and also hold a firm interest in Benjamin Sesko.
A new striker will be walking through the door in the summer and they should replace the German in the starting eleven however, any player that does will need to match Havertz’s incredible work rate.
As mentioned, it may be the end of Havertz as a starting striker but there could still be a role for Arsenal’s unsung hero in the side next season.
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