Arsenal are sixth in the league table with a realistic chance of missing out on the top four slot for the first time in 21 years and if that was not the biggest problem, the atmosphere off the field is worrisome.
During the humiliation at the hands of relegation battling Crystal Palace, the Arsenal players faced the wrath of the frustrated fans in full throttle. They refused to give the ball from the stands on one occasion as Hector Bellerin stood embarrassed on the sidelines. It was complemented by the continuous chants of “You’re not fit to wear the shirt”.
And if this looked like the final straw, the team bus was surrounded by angry fans on their way out. The North London club, which possesses one of the richest football histories in England, have never faced such a scenario in the last two decades at least. And while the manager is the root to all of it, in maintaining his adamant attitude and keeping his future to himself, the players are to be blamed equally.
The commitment has vanished and the players look up to no one for whom they will fight. A major revamp is expected at the club, which starts right from the administration to the squad. A more or less compact squad that Arsenal have, doesn’t need many changes for sure except for some competition in certain positions.
The Gunners have given absolute certainties to some players leaving little to no competition for them. They have taken their place for granted and one such clear example is Arsenal’s latest sensation Hector Bellerin. Breaking into the first-team last season, the Spaniard had a blast initially, before limelight encircled him.
Injury to Mathieu Debuchy and the terrible form of Carl Jenkinson has further paved the way for Bellerin’s complacency and it’s time the club took notice of it. As per reports, Arsenal are plotting move for Serie A star Elseid Hysaj.
An academy product of his native side KF Vllaznia, his impressive displays earned him a place in Empoli pretty early in his career. Six brilliant seasons with them and Napoli snapped him up in 2015.
Hysaj has had an impressive season this year that saw the 23-year-old establishing himself as the team’s first choice with his assured displays. Arsenal will have to fight Manchester United if they want to land the Albanian international. Given his young age and stardom, he is unlikely to come cheap by any means. Reportedly, the Naples club will not let go of their prized asset for anything less than £40 million.
