Regardless of what happened against Bayern Munich, it was always going to be a summer of change for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
The club aren’t necessarily at the end of a cycle, but Edu Gaspar has some important work to do in order to ensure that the squad doesn’t become stale.
Too many quality players have been on the periphery of things this season, a situation not helping the individual or the club.
Fans will hope that Arsenal are in a strong financial position to attack the summer market regardless of who leaves, but outgoing deals will still help.
As well as the financial benefits any departures could bring, Arsenal simply need to open up space in their squad.
With everyone fit things are already slightly bloated, there isn’t necessarily even space for the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly to eventually come through.
And with that considered, and the continuation of the club’s success, players need to leave.
Starting with Fabio Vieira.
The £34m-midfielder is blessed with talent, but he hasn’t shown it at the Emirates on a regular basis.
There’s no justification to keeping Fabio Vieira at Arsenal beyond the summer
The easy argument is to say, ‘Vieira hasn’t had the chances he needs to show his ability’ – but he has.
Mikel Arteta will be assessing the Portuguese midfielder every day in training, he knows better than anyone.
And it’s also worth remembering how Vieira joined the club, he was thought to be both Edu and Arteta’s dream signing.
A player with enormous potential who could bless the team with his playmaking abilities.
And if part of that same duo have decided that Vieira can’t help rescue the game against Aston Villa or Bayern Munich in this past week for example – then why keep him at the club?
Vieira must have lofty aspirations for his own playing career, he’ll know how rich his ability is.
And whilst it would be a shame to watch the midfielder leave, there’s no justification otherwise.
Arsenal are often linked with players such as Georgiy Sudakov and Florian Wirtz.
And as tentative as those links may be, they tell a story.
The club clearly believes that they can improve their options in attacking midfield positions, and therefore Fabio Vieira should be the first player to leave Arsenal in the summer.
All that being said, Arsenal fans have all been saying the same thing about Takehiro Tomiyasu after last night.
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