Arsenal FC: Should Arsene Wenger Sell Russian Star Andrei Arshavin?

The Arsenal manager will have time to think about his side's prospects of ending their frustrating title drought, by clinching the EPL title this year.

Arsene Wenger and his team have endured a tough time in the last three weeks and they will need to show maturity and mental toughness to produce good results in this title run-in.

From the next game onwards, every single point they drop could decide the title in favour of Manchester United. The Gunners will need to win all their remaining fixtures in order to keep the destiny of the title race in their hands.

There are already a section of Arsenal fans who do feel that Wenger can only take them this far, and a new manager who can drive them to trophies is required. However, the majority of the Arsenal board and fans are prepared to give time to the French tactician, who is the greatest modern-day manager in the history of the club.

Arsene Wenger has often admitted his desire to keep Andrei Arshavin at the club. However, the Russian is yet to sign an extension and his contract expires at the end of next season.

Arsenal are a club that are run on a sound business model. It would make financial sense to sell Arshavin if he refuses to commit his immediate future to the club.

The Russian has impressive statistics to his name and is currently Arsenal's leader in  assists. His performances, on the other hand, have not been consistent and he has come under some scrutiny for a number of below-par performances.

However, since his goal against Everton, after coming on as a substitute, Arshavin has been close to his best and has played with a lot of confidence that was missing in the earlier part of the season.

Competition From Walcott

Despite his good performances, he is not assured a place in the starting lineup because of the emergence of Theo Walcott, who is currently injured.

Walcott has performed admirably this season and adds a new dimension to the team with his pace and direct runs at defenders. At the age of 21, he needs to play regularly and has justified the faith shown in him by his manager this season.

Samir Nasri has been in sensational form this season, which has earned him a place in the starting lineup whenever he's fit. The Frenchman's versatility has also worked in his favour as he's played many games in different positions for the Gunners.

However, if the midfield trio of Cesc Fabregas, Alexandre Song and Jack Wilshere are all fit, it only leaves two slots for wingers available.

Arshavin has been benched for some games this season and he's admitted that it's been tough for him. He's a player who thrives on confidence and has the ability to change an entire game with his brilliant creativity. However, inconsistent performances have him dropped in favour of England International, Theo Walcott.

The Cesc Fabregas Situation

At the moment, it is debatable whether Barcelona will make efforts to sign the Spanish midfielder this summer.

However, if they do try to sign him and Fabregas is interested in the move, it is likely that Arsene Wenger will grant him his wish and he could be playing in a Barcelona shirt next season.

The Frenchman is not the type to spend big money to sign a replacement for Fabregas and there is always the possibility that Nasri could play in that role.

In that case, Arshavin will be Arsenal's first choice winger on the left and he will be provided with many opportunities.

However, Wenger could also promote either Jack Wilshere or Aaron Ramsey, which would mean Nasri and Walcott would continue on the wings. Still, Arshavin would be an extremely useful player to have if the influential Cesc Fabregas leaves the club this summer. The Russian, after all, has the armoury to unlock any defence in the world.

Arshavin's Experience Invaluable to the Team

This Arsenal team has a number of players who have not won many trophies and do not have enough experience at the top level.

Arshavin, on the other hand, is a senior International who has captained his team on many big occasions. His experience is invaluable to the side. He also has the ability to influence the team, even when the chips are down, and that is a characteristic which many youngsters could lack at the top level.

It is evident that Arshavin is an influential player for the Gunners, even if he's not in the best form. That in itself is a primary reason why Wenger would like to hold on to the creative Russian. Arshavin's experience could help in the title run-in and he could have a major impact on the team.

Promising Prospects: Ryo Miyaichi, Carlos Vela and Others

Arsenal have a number of talented youngsters who could stake a claim for the left midfield spot, some of whom are out on loan in order to gain experience at the top level.

Ryo Miyaichi, who was loaned out to Feyenoord, is currently in excellent form and producing some exciting performances for the Dutch club.

It's clear that Miyaichi needs to develop more physicality and another loan spell would suit him perfectly. He is an undoubted talent, but one more year of regular top level football would make him more suited for Arsenal.

Carlos Vela has been loaned out to West Brom, but he has not enjoyed much playing time—which is strange considering he has performed quite well when given the opportunity. Vela needs more playing time before he can challenge for first team places, or else he may only ever be a squad player.

There are also other youngsters like Henry Lansbury, Connor Henderson and Jay Emmanuel Thomas who are quite talented—it will be some time before they can be integrated into the first team.

Arsene Wenger is a manager who does not like to spend much money on a player and there are not many wingers in the world who could replace the quality that Arshavin brings to the Arsenal team. If Wenger does identify his transfer targets, it is likely to cost him quite a big amount. Eden Hazard was one of the targets, but his recent long-term contract with Lille indicates he will not be moving this summer.

Arsenal Need Quality Players to Win Trophies

The Gunners are in the midst of a frustrating title drought, which adds to the pressure on this young team.

In this situation, it is better for Arsenal to hold onto their quality players who can win games with their brilliance. Andrei Arshavin is a quality player who has the ability to notch important goals and also contribute in breaking down many defences with his superb creativity.

Arsenal are in a strong financial position and are in no need to sell their best players. If Arshavin does not sign a new contract, it is better to lose him at the end of the next season which will hopefully add trophies to the cabinet.

By the end of next season, after all, the likes of Miyaichi, Lansbury and Vela will be better equipped to deal with the challenges at the top level and can fill the void left by Arshavin.

This article is also featured on The Invincible Gunners, a blog on Arsenal