Arsenal Transfers: 5 Players Arsene Wenger Should Sell This Summer

The much needed summer clear-out summarised.

Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates his goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in London, Wednesday, March 31, 2010. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Tom Hevezi/AP

After a poor finish to last season, Arsene Wenger is facing a busy summer transfer window that should provide a plethora of interesting ins and overdue outs. By missing out on the a top four finish, Wenger’s previously unblemished record of consecutively reaching the Champions League has ended, suggesting that things must change before the start of the upcoming season.

Frequent protests by fans, the disillusionment of notable former players and the rising of the infamous Arsenal Fan TV YouTube channel showcased to the footballing world at large that the poor performances that had gone unchecked in seasons past will no longer be tolerated going forward.

With Wenger committing to a two year contract extension, attention should now be turned towards the playing staff who failed to perform at critical points in the campaign which ultimately led to them being the biggest deciding factor towards the finish outside the top four.

In order to pave the way towards a swift return to Champions League football and a genuine challenge for the Premier League title, Wenger will have to weed out the squads under-performers but which of these players should be the prime candidates to leave the Emirates this summer?

5. Per Mertesacker

Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates his goal during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in London, Wednesday, March 31, 2010. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
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Aside from his impressive display in the FA Cup Final display, which happened to be one of only two appearances he made last season due to a knee injury, Mertesacker finds himself in a difficult position.

It could be argued that the Gunners will require a player capable of providing direction and leadership to maximise the chances of success in all competitions last term, but experienced stopper Petr Cech and fan favourite Laurent Koscielny are already primed for that role. Especially as they were forced to deputise for Mertesacker throughout the entire campaign.

The shift in playing styles in the Premier League seems to have evolved past his skillset, his lack of pace would possibly provide the biggest hindrance in defending against some of the leagues faster forwards.

At 32, it could be time for the big friendly giant to find a team where the high demand for success will be significantly lessened. This would allow him to rehabilitate away from the spotlight that will be shone brightly on the Emirates this season.

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