Four Arsenal superstars in risk of becoming flops under Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are currently leading the Premier League and have advanced to the round of 16 in the Europa League.
However, not everyone on the Arsenal squad has had a smooth ride thus far this season.
SportsDias examines four players who could fail to impress at the Emirates if they continue to struggle for the remainder of the season.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Lokonga joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 from Anderlecht. His previous manager Vincent Kompany referred to him as the next Yaya Toure.
However, he has not yet lived up to even a fraction of that reputation. In the early stages of his debut campaign in England, Lokonga may have played a larger role than anyone anticipated.
But as Thomas Partey regained his fitness, he found himself out of the lineup and second in line behind Mohamed Elneny.
The 23-year-old has failed to capitalize on opportunities in both Europe and the Carabao Cup this season, and his future at the club may be in jeopardy due to his displeasure over a lack of playing time.
Fabio Vieira
Despite the expense of £34 million, Arteta may have recruited Vieira with an eye toward the future. However, the 22-year-old is currently underperforming in his selected matchups.
Vieira has made just one Premier League start and scored an excellent goal in a 3-0 victory at Brentford. However, despite a promising start in the Europa League, he has been deceiving of late.
Wednesday against Brighton, he was wasteful with the ball and in front of goal. With team captain Martin Odegaard in front of him, it appears that Vieira’s route to becoming a starter for the first squad is currently blocked.
Matt Turner
To be fair to Turner, he was never signed with the intention of being Arsenal’s No.1 Prior to playing for the United States at the World Cup, his transfer to the Emirates helped him become more well-known in Europe.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel has already cautioned him that he is too talented to sit on the bench. Aaron Ramsdale appears to be Arteta’s long-term goalkeeper.
Turner is a competent substitute for the England international. However, if prominent figures in American football, such as Friedel, continue to pressure him to quit Arsenal, his stay there may be brief.
Marquinhos
Again, it may be way too soon to evaluate Marquinhos. He only cost Arsenal £3 million in the summer, so it would not be a huge loss if he were to fail.
After starting the first two Europa League group games, he sat out the next four. The game against Bodo/Glimt at home revealed that he may not be ready for senior football at this level.
Since Arsenal are seeking a winger, he may find playing time even more difficult to come by in the near future. To gain more playing time, Marquinhos may benefit from a loan move.
Four Arsenal superstars in risk of becoming flops under Mikel Arteta
