They had a very bloated squad coming into the season so it is what it is. I’m happy they at least have sent some of their younger players who need playing time out on loan. They also found a way to get rid of the guys early who weren’t playing at all and were going to be out of contract after this season anyway.
I would be a little surprised if the next culling of the playing staff is as extensive as that article says, particularly concerning the younger home grown players. Lacazette and Luiz? Sure. The writing was on the wall concerning Lacazette when they resigned Aubameyang as they weren’t going to be able to keep them both long term. And they still have too many central defenders and since they likely won’t be playing European football next season, don’t need quite as big of a squad.
Saka and Smith-Rowe in particular are young regulars that should form a core group going forward. Add Martinelli if he can stay healthy, ffs. I don't want to see Bellerin shipped out per rumors, either.
Disappointed in Partey and Willian as signings so far and they SHOULD have been strong/impactful immediately. They need to turn it around soon or move on. Same goes for Pepe. Too much money for too little production, though Pepe does seem to score now and then, yet where does he fit now?
Ceballos is a mystery to me. I see boneheaded plays at times, and every now and then an impressive win back but not much else of note. He's probably only playing because Partey and Willian are constantly hurt or in Arteta's doghouse.
Odegaard should be retained in whatever shell game they're playing with contracts. His creativity and relative stability is desperately needed.
