5. To Prevent Key Players From Leaving
Over the years Arsenal have had to wave goodbye to key players. It started with Thierry Henry in 2007 and was closely followed by the departures of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Alexander Song, Gael Clichy and most recently Robin van Persie. The reasons for the aforementioned departures have largely been explained by the fact Arsenal haven't been a successful team now for seven years since they won the FA Cup in 2005. Since then, the Gunner's trophy cabinet has laid bare following season after season of disappointment. Key players have jumped ship to win silverware elsewhere - Henry won the La Liga title and Champions League with Barcelona, whilst Fabregas has also enjoyed success at the Nou Camp. Nasri and Gael Clichy helped Manchester City to the Premier League title last season while Robin van Persie looks like becoming a Premier League winner come May also. If Arsenal are eliminated from the Champions League, they face a real task to qualify for it next season considering their current league standings. If their current players realise that success can be had elsewhere following another season without a trophy, there could be another exodus at the Emirates.