Who Should Go, Who Should Stay For Arsenal (Part 1)

(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Before the 1960s, football clubs had a list to update at the end of every season. It was called the 'retain and transfer' list. Clubs choose the players to keep and the players to place on transfer. Players were traded and bought like pieces of meat. 

George Eastham, who subsequently contested this system and won, said that players were effectively under a slavery contract. 

One wonders if clubs should return to such a system now. With this in mind, I will sketch out what Arsenal could probably do if they still had access to this list.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Almunia

He was second fiddle for a long time. Not till the last two years has Almunia finally established himself in the Arsenal line-up. This season has seen Almunia really mature as a goalkeeper.

In fact, he has been one of Arsenal's better performing players thus far in this season. He is consistent in goal and has performed in big matches. He recently kept Arsenal's champions league dream alive when he single-handedly kept Manchester United at bay during the first leg encounter.

Yet, there is a need to pause for a second and consider whether he is a player Arsenal needs, going forward. Sure, he should definitely stick around. However one feels that he is as good a player as he is now.

Outcome: Keep Him

Defenders 

Bacary Sagna 

Like his floppy neon hair extensions, his performance this season has been the bright spot in the poor Arsenal backline. He has been consistent and his bombing runs forward has created panic for Arsenal's opponents. Always dependable to provide a strong performance, Sagna is certainly a player Wenger should consider retaining.

Outcome: Keep at all cost. 

Kolo Toure

Sometimes you wonder if Toure is better suited as an attacking player. Blessed with pace, skill and a bombing shot, Toure would be better suited as a deep lying midfielder which can take the ball forward if necessary.

Alas, Wenger decided to convert him into a centre back. And my opinion is that Wenger has wasted a promising attacking talent. Toure is not a centre back and I don't think he will ever be comfortable playing there.

He looks better going forward and I lost track of how many times Arsenal fans get a sense of anticipation whenever Toure touches the ball in the opponents' penalty area.

Outcome: Keep him and reconvert him back into a midfielder.

William Gallas 

Enough is said about his shambolic outburst this season. One of the best EPL defenders just a few seasons ago, you wonder where the real William Gallas might have went. Certainly, he is not wearing an Arsenal jersey now.

The number of uncontrolled outbursts and lapse in concentrations has dodged his defensive performance this season. He just isn't the same guy Wenger thought he was anymore. Somebody give Sol Campbell a ring. At least he helped Arsenal win the title before trying any funny antics.

Outcome: Sell, sell, sell. 

Gael Clichy

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