Seven Arsenal Players Who May Have To Leave During the Summer

As two schoolboy errors cost Arsenal a first leg lead against Portuguese giants FC Porto in their round of 16 Champions League clash, many fans and critics alike a recklessly pointing fingers at some on to blame.

Many feel Wenger has lost the plot. The Frenchman's lack of ability to sign during the transfer window has ensured Arsenal lacked quality players in certain areas, goalkeeper the most notable. Also others have questioned Wenger's youth policy and if is still intact.

There are number of players who have come through the Academy ranks but yet still seem to play in the reserves. But Wenger is a great coach, perhaps the best, and you can bet the the three time Premiership winning coach will ensure Arsenal give all they've got to win some silverware.

However, there are players in the Arsenal squad that may have to be sold during the Summer even if Arsenal somehow win the Premier League or Champions League.

1. Manuel Almunia

When the Spanish keeper arrived at North London from Spanish side Celtico Vigo in 2004, the 32-year-old was never really intended to be Arsenal's first choice. Only a talented back up at best. But in 2007/2008 first choice at the time Jens Lehman fell out of form and for the remainder of the campaign Almunia became the dominant shot stopper.

The Spaniard performed well at the front of the helm showing that he was indeed a talented keep. Jens Lehman was subsequently sold at the end of 2007/2008 and fans expected Wenger to quickly pounce on an experienced, talented keeper but the Frenchman kept his wallet shut opting to keep Almunia as the number one and slotting Polish youngster Lukasz Fabianski into the back up role.

Since then Almunia has showed glimpses of superb keeping but sadly no traits a first choice goalkeeper at a club like Arsenal should have. The former Osasuna keeper has shown he is vulnerable under the high ball, unsure off set pieces and very nervy against big teams.

Almunia is yet to prove he can produce week in week out strong performances. So come the Summer of 2010, Manuel Almunia should be sold.

2. Mikaël Silvestre

Probably one of the last players Arsenal fans expected Wenger to sign during the summer transfer window of 2009. Silvestre signed from rivals Manchester United on an undisclosed fee to help boost experience throughout the Arsenal back line.

The Frenchman was a doughty contributor during the 2008/2009 campaign but did have a tendency to be fragile and mistake prone in the centre halves. But since the arrival of Thomas Vermaelen and the odd recent signing of struggling Sol Campbell, the 32-year-old has rarely played, making the odd appearance here and there.

It is believed that the former United defender turned down offers during the January transfer window because Wenger told him he was a valued member of the Arsenal squad. Either way Mikael Silvestre may need to be sold.

3. Theo Walcott

Signed as a 16-year-old from Southhampton in 2006, Theo Walcott was dubbed the next big thing in English football. Shortly after signing with the Gunners, the pacey winger was selected in England's 2006 World Cup Squad for Germany. Although Walcott would not feature for the Three Lions, it was clear the kid had talent.

Blessed with devastating speed and balance, Walcott can be a huge threat when the ball is at his feet. Arsenal fans and the footballing world alike have had glimpses of the 20-year-old's fierce potential.

But sadly, injury and inconsistency has seen Walcott struggle at Arsenal. For every strong performance by the Englishman, it is matched by two howlers. Although his pace gives Wenger a new dimension in attack his final ball is poor as is his passing. 

It is not a decision that Wenger will want to make but with the likes of Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela, Fran Merida, Nacer Barasite, and Sanchez Watts all capable of stepping up and performing on the right wing. Theo Walcott may have to be sold.

4. Kerrea Gilbert

One of the many talented youngsters to progress through the Arsenal academy. Kerrea Gilbert was rushed into some first team action during the 2005/2006 season when Arsenal had their usual injury chaos. The Hammersmith born defender produced some impressive performances and showed he is an capable defender.

But then Gilbert was sent on loan and seemingly forgotten about or so it seemed. The 22-year-old spent three years on loan at a number of different clubs. The Englishman performed well enough whilst in the Championship. Gilbert was then brought back to Arsenal for 2009/2010.

He appeared in the League Cup and Champions League but was then once again sent on loan during the January transfer window, this time to Peterborough. 

Gilbert is unlikely to ever break into the Arsenal line up or even onto the substitutes bench. Wenger should sell Kerrea Gilbert to a Premiership Club so the Englishman can make his Premiership debut.

5. Mark Randall 

Another talented starlet to come up through the Arsenal youth ranks. Since 2007 the English midfielder has made a handful of appearances for the Gunners as well as the odd loan spell. Currently at Milton Keynes Dons, the 20-year-old is another prospect who looks unlikely to ever break into the Arsenal line up especially with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Craig Eastmond, and Francis Coquelin ahead of him.

But Randall is still young and it is evident he has potential so Wenger should have no problem offloading him to a newly promoted Premier League side or a dominant Championship side.

6. Philippe Senderos   

Prior to the 2008/2009 campaign, Philippe Senderos has not performed to badly for Wenger. Then after an on off loan spell with Italian giants AC Milan the Swiss centre half returned and just couldn't get a game except for an occasional League Cup match.

Then after much complaining and speculation about his future the 25-year-old was sent on loan to Everton. Senderos is a talented defender who posses great height and strength. Despite his ability to lose concentration in the middle the former Servette is still a good defender and although it would be sad to see him leave the Emirates, Philippe Senderos may have to be sold.

7. Eduardo Da Silva 

When Thierry Henry departed the Gunners after a hugely successful career in 2007, many pondered who Wenger would bring in to help fill the gaping whole left. Eduardo Da Silva was the man brought in. Signed from Dinamo Zagreb for £7.5 million, Eduardo has pace, balance, trickery and the ability to be ice cool when in the box.

It looked like Eduardo would be the next huge thing. The Croatian was scoring goals with ease during 2007/2008 but then on the 23rd of February 2008, the 26-year-old was involved in a horror tackle that left him with a broken left fibula and a dislocated ankle. 

Eduardo then spent just under a year on the sidelines before returning for the Gunners. He had a positive comeback but injuries then began to occur again. This season though Eduardo has struggled with not only injuries but confidence and form.

The 5'10" striker has shown he is not what he used to be with poor performance and a host of missed chances. No one would like to see him depart, but, sadly, Eduardo Da Silva may have to be sold.