MIKEL ARTETA has ‘lost trust’ in Arsenal’s leading stars who are leaving a ‘negative legacy’ for young Gunners, according to Jamie Carragher.
The North Londoners are struggling in tenth in the Premier League with their European hopes dangling by a thread after slipping to a 1-1 draw at home to Slavia Prague on Thursday.
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This season, established stars such as Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – who signed a mega-money contract in September – have been outshone by the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
And Carragher believes Arteta could give up on his ‘malignant’ senior flops and launch a youthful revolution for the sake of the club’s future.
On Arsenal’s struggling elder statesmen, Carragher told the Telegraph: “They are a malignant influence.
“[They] will contaminate the training ground and may leave a negative legacy for the generation which follows.
“That’s arguably the biggest, most recurring problem Arteta is trying to fix right now.
“What was the club’s strength at the turn of the millennium is a serious weakness in 2021.
“That’s why patience has run out amongst the club’s fanbase.
“They would prefer to see Arteta build around his exciting youngsters.”
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On a potential youthful revolution at the Emirates, Carragher continued: “That perspective is understandable.
“Arteta may have no option but to go down that route in the short-term.
“But it is as damning on the club’s established stars as it is as a compliment to the young talent.
“Through the latter years of Arsene Wenger, into the reign of Unai Emery and now Arteta, there has been a massive erosion of trust in those who are supposed to be leading by example.”
Arsenal next play Sheffield United at 7pm on Sunday Bramall Lane desperate to keep their season alive.
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