Arsenal have reactivated ‘crisis mode’ in recent weeks with any optimism Mikel Arteta had previously started to provide rapidly evaporating.
The team’s failure to win in their last three in all competitions have been punctuated by poor individual and collective performances, putting increasing pressure on the manager.
With the Europa League looking like their only hope of salvaging a poor season, Arteta knows where his focus lies between now and May.
However, failure in this competition and a mid-table finish will amplify calls for major changes in the summer, with a number of players heading out of the Emirates as well as potentially coming in.
With that in mind, here is the latest Arsenal gossip.
Gunners given Guendouzi boost
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Arteta could be relieved of one transfer headache this summer with encouraging signs regarding his desire to sell Matteo Guendouzi.
The Frenchman has been on loan at Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin this season but it was thought the Gunners would have trouble pushing for a permanent deal.
However, the German club’s Sporting Director Arne Friedrich has hinted that Hertha would be in fact keen on keeping the player, having been impressed with what they have seen so far.
“When you talk about Guendouzi and see his skills,” he said in an interview with the Guardian. “You realise that he is a great player. I’ve also read that he had problems at Arsenal but here he behaves very well.
“He puts all of himself on the field. He is a great professional. Guendouzi’s situation confirms that we must always understand how to help the players, with a talent like him it is worth it.
Arsenal look to Serie A for £43million Hector Bellerin replacement
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Arteta’s desperate need for a defensive reshuffle could see Hector Bellerin leave the club after ten years.
According to reports, the Gunners have already earmarked a replacement in the form of Inter Milan full back Achraf Hakimi.
The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for Italian giants, who top the Serie A table and look on course for a first league title since 2010.
Spanish publication AS claim that Arsenal will be prepared to make a ‘firm’ offer for the player with Inter pricing the Moroccan at around £43million.
Despite only arriving at the San Siro from Real Madrid last summer, the report also claims the Italians will be prepared to sell as their own financial situation is ‘not healthy’.
Gunners boss told to flog flop trio
Arteta has been told he needs to clear the decks at the Emirates and ruthlessly sell off his underperforming players.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes major surgery will be required to fix the floundering Arsenal and the club need to cut the cord with certain senior players who have disappointed.
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The ex-Liverpool man pinpointed three players in particular in the Gunners squad that to be jettisoned if the team are to dig themselves out of their current malaise.
“Has [Alexandre] Lacazette ever really been the answer? No. Willian has been a disaster of a signing.
“Nicolas Pepe, it’s not his age or his price tag, really, he’s just not good enough and never will be good enough, so Arsenal need to cut their losses there.”
