Arsenal slumped to a torrid 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle United on Monday night. The result now means that UEFA Champions League qualification is no longer in their hands going into the final Premier League matchday.
It has been a disappointing end to what had previously been a relatively promising campaign for a young Gunners side packed with potential. Still, football.london understands that technical director Edu is keen to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad this summer, with at least one forward, a central midfielder and a backup fullback all likely to be targeted.
Here, we have taken a look at the current crop of players and given our verdict on whether or not the Brazilian transfer chief should look to keep, sell or loan each squad member.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta knows who is to blame for Arsenal collapse as January transfer gamble backfires
Goalkeepers
Aaron Ramsdale
Despite his form dropping in recent weeks, Ramsdale has been one of the signings of the season, particularly impressing with his pinpoint distribution and acrobatic reflex saves. Still only 24-years-old and has plenty of time to improve further.
What Edu should do: Keep
Bernd Leno
Has been a solid servant to Arsenal and was one of the best players during Unai Emery's time with the club. However, he doesn't fit Arteta's philosophy and considering American goalkeeper Matt Turner is joining Arsenal this summer, it seems like the best time for all parties for Leno to leave.
What Edu should do: Sell
Defenders
Kieran Tierney
A huge leader at the back, Tierney is arguably the most important defender in the Gunners' squad, something that has clearly been on display since the Scot's injury last month. The former Celtic star could be the next club captain but a reliable backup is needed considering how injury prone he is.
What Edu should do: Keep
Ben White
Some eyebrows were raised when Arsenal spent £50million to bring White to the Emirates Stadium last summer. However, the England international has been one of the most reliable performers and his ability with the ball at his feet is integral in the build-up phase.
What Edu should do: Keep
Gabriel Magalhaes
Another player who has seen his form dip in recent weeks is Brazilian defender Gabriel, who has occasionally let his temper get the better of him. Still, the 24-year-old is physically dominant and reads the game well and at his best formed an excellent partnership with the aforementioned White.
What Edu should do: Keep
Rob Holding
A solid backup choice and a dependable player for cup games but showed that he isn't a top-level centre-back during last week's catastrophic 3-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur. The former Bolton man let his emotions get the better of him and he was sent off for consistently fouling Son Heung-min.
What Edu should do: Keep
Cedric Soares
Not good enough to consistently play for a top-four team, something that Arsenal are aspiring to be. Should try and offload this summer and bring in someone that is more capable in the final third.
What Edu should do: Sell
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Struggled with injuries since the turn of the year but was one of the most reliable performers during the first half of the season. Still only 23-years-old and is a manager's dream given his rare blend of pace, versatility and intelligent reading of the game.
What Edu should do: Keep
Nuno Tavares
An extremely inconsistent debut campaign for Portuguese fullback Tavares, who at times has been frustrating to watch for the Arsenal faithful. Still, he is strong physically and consistently beats his man when dribbling. Perhaps a loan could help his development.
What Edu should do: Loan
Hector Bellerin
Bellerin has enjoyed a successful loan spell with La Liga side Real Betis this term. However, it is hard to see him getting into Mikel Arteta's side over Tomiyasu and with just one year left on his current contract in north London, it makes sense to try and sell him at the end of the current campaign.
What Edu should do: Sell
William Saliba
Saliba has also spent the season on loan, winning Ligue 1's young player of the year award for his stellar performances for Marseille. Allowing him to leave this summer would be a disaster given the Frenchman's sky-high potential. He should be competing with Gabriel and White for a spot in Aretat's starting XI next season.
What Edu should do: Keep
Pablo Mari
Mari has played well whilst on loan with Serie A side Udinese in the last few months, a club he appears likely to join permanently this summer.
What Edu should do: Sell
HAVE YOUR SAY! Let us know in the comments who Arsenal should keep or sell this summer
Midfielders
Thomas Partey
Partey is arguably the Gunners' most important player, something that has been evident since the Ghana international was forced off through injury during last month's defeat to Crystal Palace. Edu needs to bring in a midfielder that can effectively play as a no.6 and a no.8 but when fit Partey should be the first name on the teamsheet.
What Edu should do: Keep
Martin Odegaard
Improved leaps and bounds this season. Creates a plethora of chances, presses hard and has even shown his leadership skills since Tierney's injury. Still, he needs to start stepping up in tough away games, a criticism that was, perhaps harshly, frequently levelled at former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
What Edu should do: Keep
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny was poor during Monday night's gut-wrenching 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United. However, the Egyptian international had stepped up prior to the disappointment on Tyneside, perhaps earning a new contract as he is more than happy to play a peripheral role.
What Edu should do: Offer a new deal
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Lokonga looked the real deal during the first few weeks of the season before his form eventually dipped. Still, the Belgian international has plenty of ability and could benefit from regular game time at a lower-level Premier League club.
What Edu should do: Loan
Granit Xhaka
Swiss captain Xhaka still has plenty of critics but he has been one of the most consistent performers for Arteta this term. His passing ability, leadership and tactical versatility make him an integral part of the north Londoners' squad.
What Edu should do: Keep
Lucas Torreira
Torreira has enjoyed a productive time whilst back on loan in Serie A with Fiorentina. It looks likely that the Italian side will sign him on a permanent basis this summer.
What Edu should do: Sell
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Another player who has spent the last few months on loan in the Italian top-flight. Maitland-Niles has struggled with identity issues and it is still unclear if he is a central midfielder or a wingback. Nevertheless, he is unlikely to regularly feature for Arsenal next term and an exit looks like the best move for all parties.
What Edu should do: Sell
Forwards
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal's reigning player of the year and their top scorer this season, Saka's consistently delivered for his team, nominated for both Premier League young player of the year and Premier League player of the year. The Hale End academy graduate is untouchable and should be kept at all costs.
What Edu should do: Keep
Emile Smith Rowe
Another product of the Hale End academy and another player who has improved on his goal tally this term, netting ten times in the Premier League. Struggled with fitness and consistently issues recently but has plenty of time to develop his game.
What Edu should do: Keep
Gabriel Martinelli
Brazilian starlet Martinelli has improved his movement and passing ability this term, perhaps lacking the clinical edge he has previously shown in an Arsenal shirt. Still, he is another player that Arteta should build the team around.
What Edu should do: Keep
Alexandre Lacazette
Another disappointing season for Arsenal's former record signing. Just two non-penalty Premier League goals to his name is nowhere near good enough.
What Edu should do: Do not offer a new deal
Nicolas Pepe
Whilst Pepe has barely started this season, the Ivorian international has struggled to make much of an impact off the bench, consistently frustrating supporters. This summer seems like the best time to cut ties with the former Lille forward.
What Edu should do: Sell
Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah has shown his quality since replacing Lacazette in the starting XI, netting four Premier League goals in just seven league starts. However, he is unlikely to be first-choice next season as Arsenal look to sign a top-class centre-forward and he is clearly keen for more regular game time.
What Edu should do: Offer new deal but only if a top striker is signed as well
Reiss Nelson
Nelson was one of the most highly-rated prospects to come through the club's academy in recent years but he never made a meaningful impact with the first team. Has enjoyed a solid loan spell with Feyenoord and a permanent exit makes sense for the 22-year-old.
What Edu should do: Sell
Folarin Balogun
Balogun is clearly not ready to lead the line for Arsenal but he has plenty of ability and enjoyed a productive loan with Championship outfit Middlesbrough. He may get game time in the cups for the Gunners next term but if a couple of strikers are brought in, another temporary move away could do wonders for his development.
What Edu should do: Loan
Be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts on who Arsenal should keep, loan or sell this summer.
