Carragher urges Arsenal to sell three players, raises Aubameyang concern
Arsenal should get rid of Alexandre Lacazette, Willian and Nicolas Pepe, according to Jamie Carragher – who also says they should have concerns about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
After winning the FA Cup and Community Shield over the summer, Arsenal have been unable to build in Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge. At the weekend, they were far off the pace as they lost 3-0 to Liverpool. That result leaves them in 10th place, 10 points adrift of the top four.
With Champions League football looking unlikely for next season – unless they can win this season’s Europa League – there could be a major rebuild at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Several players who have not performed up to their standards are at risk of leaving. Now, Sky Sports pundit Carragher has named and shamed three who should move on.
“It’s going to take a lot of pain for Arsenal,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“It’s the players, get rid of them. Stick with Arteta and get the young players in the team.
“[Martin] Odegaard has come in and been a revelation, he’s someone you need to make a permanent signing if possible because he’s been fantastic.
“Has 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.”
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Only one year remains on Lacazette’s contract and he has been heavily linked with a move away. Atletico Madrid remain interested, but so are Sevilla and Roma.
Willian joined on a free transfer from Chelsea but is yet to even score for his new club. Arsenal still have him under contract for another two seasons after this one, though.
Pepe, meanwhile, was their club-record signing in 2019 but hasn’t shown his worth. He scored five league goals last season and has matched that this term, but has generally underwhelmed for a player of his cost.
Aubameyang concern for Arsenal
One of the biggest issues Arsenal have had to deal with this season is the loss of form of captain Aubameyang.
His future was in doubt last summer, when there was only one year left on his contract. But after signing a new deal that makes him the club’s highest earner, he is yet to show his true worth.
The striker has scored nine goals from 25 appearances in the league so far this season. Questions have also been raised of his discipline.
Arsenal have made big mistakes with contracts in the past and Carragher fears Aubameyang may be another example.
“With Aubameyang, he’s the superstar, but I think his performances this season have been lazy, at times,” he added. “I don’t care how many goals he gets because if he doesn’t score a goal, he doesn’t bring anything to the team, and that’s a big problem.
“They need more from him. It was one of the worst performances I’ve seen this season from Aubameyang against West Ham.
“I think there will be a big worry at Arsenal that they might have another Mesut Ozil situation.”
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