Arsenal have made some very expensive signings during the current window, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. As such, to balance out their FFP, it makes sense for them to put some of their lesser-used players up for sale.
Will Arsenal miss Rob Holding or Nicolas Pepe?
At this point, the Gunners have outgrown both Rob Holding and Nicolas Pepe. While Pepe arrived at the Emirates Stadium with plenty of hype, he has failed to live up to it time and time again.
He possesses a bag of tricks that would make even the most flamboyant of flair players jealous – but his work rate and footballing IQ leave plenty to be desired.
Meanwhile, Rob Holding looked like a very promising prospect earlier on in his career. Now, at the age of 27, he has still yet to make his mark as a first-team regular.
Physically, he has not progressed into a dominating defensive presence – moreover, he is also prone to costly mistakes. He is a decent backup option, but he is unlikely to become anything more than a fringe player at Arsenal.
Should the Gunners hold on to Folarin Balogun?
Before Arsenal’s first game of the 2023/24 Premier League season against Nottingham Forest, Gunners fans were clamouring for Balogun to be given a shot in the first team in Gabriel Jesus’ absence.
Instead, Arteta opted to play Eddie Nketiah instead. His decision was ultimately vindicated – not only did Nketiah score Arsenal’s opening goal, he also turned in a fine performance that saw them run out as 2-1 victors over the tricky trees.
Balogun is unwilling to spend his career as a rotation option at Arsenal – therefore, the best option for all parties is probably for the Gunners to let him go in the ongoing summer transfer window.
