Several Arsenal stars have endured frustrating International campaigns at Euro 2024, having entered the tournament in good form.
Arsenal ended the Premier League season with 16 wins from their last 18 games, and some of the squad were among the very best players in the division.
Declan Rice and Kai Havertz were particularly good in the closing stages of the campaign, but both have been criticised for their performances with England and Germany at the Euros.
Similar problems have been encountered by Arsenal’s roster of left-backs, with all three of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney ending their campaigns disappointed.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Kieran Tierney all struggled at Euro 2024
All three defenders were hoping to have strong campaigns to either help them recover their form, or put themselves in the shop window.
Tierney started in the worst possible way as Scotland lost 5-1, and things went from bad to worse for him as he then picked up an injury against Switzerland which ended his campaign early, and may now jeopardise a move away.
Zinchenko struggled this season, and found himself on the Arsenal bench at the end of the season. He then endured a tough time with Ukraine as they lost 3-0 to Romania in their opening game. Zinchenko did provide an assist in their win over Slovakia, but found himself on the bench in a draw against Belgium, which saw his side exit the tournament on goal difference.
Kiwior’s Poland were in a tough group containing France, Austria and the Netherlands, and his side lost twice to exit the competition before drawing with France. The Arsenal defender was unimpressive, and gave away a penalty in his side’s final game.
Arsenal left-back struggles show why Arteta wants a new option
Arsenal have several options at left-back, but reportedly want a specialist in the positon, with Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori linked.
Zinchenko and Kiwior have been linked with exits, and their struggles at the Euros may only have confirmed Arteta’s belief that he can upgrade his options in the position.
Neither were able to force their way into the starting XI for Arsenal, and their stock has perhaps fallen after their disappointing Euros campaigns, which had otherwise given them an opportunity to prove why they should be starting more regularly.