Arsenal FC Transfer Prospects: Why Arsene Wenger Needs to Sell Tomas Rosicky

The 2010/11 season has seen the Arsenal midfield flourish and blossom in almost every sense.

The emergence of teenage sensation Jack Wilshere, for instance, alongside the new found consistency and development of Samir Nasri. Then there's the constant quality and dominance of Cesc Fabregas and the no-nonsense defensive work of Alexandre Song—it's all come together to ensure that Arsenal's midfield has at times been the best in World Football.

Yes, the development of Arsenal's young guns has been a joy to watch all around the globe. Arsene Wenger's tireless efforts to create a world class team without the use of extravagant funds has finally begun to take shape. With any luck, the Frenchman will be rewarded by the end of the season with a long overdue and more than deserved trophy.

However, the demise of a couple of certain senior players has raised concerns among the Arsenal faithful. Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin has suffered from lapses of form since the beginning of the season and the fans have come close to demanding that Wenger sell his diminutive attacker. Fortunately, recent weeks have seen Arshavin return to his sparkling best.

But the lack of form of one midfielder has shocked and annoyed the Arsenal fans.

Tomas Rosicky's evident drop in quality and calibre has been a permanent blemish on the current season for the North London giants.

Rosicky joined the Emirates in the summer of 2006 from German giants Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for the heroic Robert Pires. He was an integral part of the Arsenal midfield in his first two seasons. A dominant, quick presence in the Arsenal XI, the Czech exhibited performances of the highest calibre, boasting an almost telepathic relationship with current captain Cesc Fabregas.

Unfortunately, a serious hamstring tendon injury towards the end of 2007/08 curtailed the rest of his season, eventually leading to the man known as "Little Mozart" missing the whole of the Gunners 2008/09 campaign.

As Arsenal fans sourly know, serious injuries can strip players of the touch, passing and confidence they once possessed. Former Arsenal striker Eduardo Da Silva's tenure is still a painful memory for the club. However, that's not to say that after first conveying a tentative approach, Rosicky didn't enjoy a solid 2009/10—on the contrary, his contribution to the Arsenal midfield was invaluable.

Unfortunately, 2010/11 has been a different story for the Czech international, who's been unable to make his presence felt in the Arsenal midfield. Granted, the performances and form of Jack Wilshere has meant reduced time, not only for Rosicky, but the likes of Samba star Denilson and imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby, too. Nevertheless, the Czech has still only played 29 games this season in all competitions.

The 30-year old has looked off the pace this year, lacking the quality and skill he once thrived on. It hasn't exactly been a season to remember. The Czech was guilty of missing a penalty against Sunderland in September when Arsenal were a man down and only one goal ahead. The Black Cats went on to equalize in the final seconds of the game.

In Arsenal's recent shock defeat to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final, the former Sparta Prague midfielder was brought back into the starting line-up in place of the injured Cesc Fabregas. However, he had an all-around poor game in which he was largely anonymous and failed to lead the side at all.

At 30, Rosicky is considered "old" in the Arsenal squad and with boom youngsters Aaron Ramsey and Henri Lansbury enjoying strong loan spells, they're expected to be utilized heavily next season. Rosicky's poor performances are slowly edging him closer to the door in North London.

The Czech had been linked with the likes of Aston Villa and Fulham in recent transfer windows but was kept on by Wenger. Rosicky's experience, leadership and intelligence is a valuable asset to the Arsenal squad and his presence alone instills much needed depth to the roster.

But the need for silverware is growing increasingly and with the youngsters also growing more and more prominent, should Tomas Rosicky be sold?