Four Arsenal Players Face Make-or-Break Period With Three Months to Salvage Their Careers or Face Uncertain Futures
Arsenal might consider making further alterations to Mikel Arteta’s squad in January, putting several players at potential risk.
Numerous Arsenal stars are currently in a battle to secure their futures as Mikel Arteta and Edu work on shaping the Gunners into a squad capable of competing for Premier League and Champions League titles. While squad lists for the current season have been finalized, implying no imminent departures, transfer windows remain open in some countries. This situation may cause concern for some fringe players regarding their future, as the January transfer window approaches. Here, Express Sport takes a closer look at four players who might need a strong start to the campaign to secure their positions at the Emirates.
Cedric Soares’s inclusion in Arsenal’s 25-man league squad may come as a surprise, considering the continuous links to a summer departure, especially back to his homeland, with several Portuguese teams reportedly interested in him. However, the 32-year-old has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal this season and seems to be low in the defensive pecking order. Despite this, he appears willing to fight for his place and hopes to win Arteta’s favor in the coming months. Cedric stated, “Everyone wants to play, and I always have a strong desire to play; it’s what keeps me competitive in football. It motivates me to train every day with determination, even when we’re not in the squad.”
Emile Smith Rowe was linked with a late summer transfer to Chelsea but ultimately remained at Arsenal. Despite this, he has not featured in any of Arsenal’s four Premier League matches this season. With strong competition in the forward positions and the addition of Kai Havertz, Smith Rowe may need to shine in limited minutes to secure a place in the Arsenal team and avoid seeking a new club in January.
Arsenal now boasts several players capable of playing the holding midfield position, potentially reducing Mohamed Elneny’s playing time upon his return from injury. The 31-year-old suffered a knee injury in January but has returned to training after nine months, indicating a possible return. However, he may need to impress to displace current midfielders if he aims to become an influential player on the pitch. Elneny could face Brentford in the third round of the Carabao Cup later this month.
Jorginho: Jorginho has experienced a situation similar to Elneny, appearing as a substitute when a more defensive approach is needed. With Declan Rice excelling as the deepest midfielder and Thomas Partey remaining at the club to compete for that position, Jorginho finds himself on the outskirts of the team. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s return to the team provides further competition for playing time. Given the presence of up to four holding midfielders at the club, Arteta may contemplate allowing either Jorginho or Elneny to depart in January.
Four Arsenal Players Face Make-or-Break Period With Three Months to Salvage Their Careers or Face Uncertain Futures
