Arsenal are in crisis. Fans are bickering to new, unprecedented levels, Arsene Wenger’s future is the most insecure we’ve ever seen it and there are even claims Alexis Sanchez has grown so frustrated with what’s happening at the club following the Bayern Munich debacle on Wednesday night that he now wants out.
What. A. Mess.
No matter the outcome of the big issues at the Emirates Stadium, a summer reshuffle is needed. The Gunners have once again been found out over the winter months, with a lack of squad depth exposed, while certain players have shown that they’re just not up to the task of making the London club true Premier League competitors.
Wenger, or whoever is in charge of Arsenal come 2017/18, will have to dive into the transfer market and spend, but before he does so, he may want to look at a few of the players away from the club on loan.
The capital outfit have six stars out across England and Europe and given the quality of them, there’s every chance at least one has a role back at Arsenal HQ. We asked fans to tell us who they want back earlier this week, and here are the THREE most popular names…
3) Chuba Akpom
Since leaving Arsenal to join Championship promotion hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the season, Akpom has yet to start a game, with his four outings coming as a substitute and amounting to 79 minutes. Alas, Gunners fans have seen enough of the 21-year-old over the past few seasons, both on his various loan stints away from north London and in pre-season outings, to be convinced that he has a future at the Emirates Stadium.
With pace and power, Akpom has the tools to be a decent Premier League striker, but he remains inconsistent and will really have to shine to impress Wenger, or whoever is in charge of the club next season, and win a role in the first-team.
2) Jack Wilshere
We’re quite shocked by this one, too. Wilshere has long been talked about as one of England’s top technical midfielders, but Gunners fans have only voted him into second spot in our poll. The 25-year-old’s career has been blighted by injury issues, but he’s remained largely fit since relocating to Bournemouth for 2016/17 during the summer and has improved immensely as the season has gone on.
Even the likes of Manchester City are thought to be courting the playmaker, so it’s a surprise that Arsenal supporters are not too fussed about having him back, especially when their central options are so threadbare at the moment.
1) Joel Campbell
In at number one we have Campbell, a man whose Arsenal career has not truly taken off. Despite moving to London way back in 2011, the Costa Rican has only had one full season at the Emirates Stadium, with work permit issues and competition for places forcing him out on five different loan spells, his latest being with Sporting CP in Portugal.
Somewhat hot and cold in his performances, the Central American has shown signs of being a real talent, but he too often fades in and out of games. Alas, Arsenal supporters think he’s worth another chance, and given the state of things at the club right now, they may have a point!
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