#32 - The 2023/24 squad review: Midfielders and forwards
Grading the Arsenal midfielders and forwards seasons and assessing their next steps
Last week I reviewed our goalkeepers and defenders, this time, it’s the midfielders and forwards turn. There’s plenty to unpack.
Thomas Partey
Season rating: 4/10 - It feels like it’s time up for Thomas. It was another season ruined by injury. This meant Arsenal couldn’t extract the best from him for most of the season, though he did come back and have an impact in the run-in. As one of Arsenal’s biggest earners, the club will certainly benefit from getting him off the wage bill as they aim to add more elite players this summer.
Next steps: Sell. As above, hopefully the form he showed towards the end of the season will allow Arsenal to find a buyer.
Jorginho
Season rating: 7/10 - Jorginho brought a calm and structure to this side when it needed it most. The post-Dubai rebirth saw a sensational run of form in the early 2024 months and he played a big part in that. His experience on and off the pitch is clearly beneficial for this young team and I’m happy he’s signed an extension that means he’ll be sticking around.
Next steps: Keep. Hopefully a few less minutes next season, if an elite midfielder arrives, but he’s still a good option.
Mohamed Elneny
Season rating: N/A
Next steps: Released.
Declan Rice
Season rating: 9/10 - I knew Declan was good, but not this good. He’s clearly improved under Mikel Arteta’s guidance and now looks truly one of the best midfielders in the world. He’s one of a number of candidates for player of the season. To get to a 10, like the others, he needs to take us to a major trophy.
Next steps: Keep, obviously.
Martin Odegaard
Season rating: 9/10 - It feels like Odegaard really feels at home now at Arsenal and he’s starting to deliver world-class performances on a frequent basis. He’s levelled up every season and that won’t happen forever, but it’s mouth-watering to consider him taking another step next season. He notched 15 Premier League goals last season, so he will hope to get back into double figures next season after just 8 this time around, but his role has changed, seeing him play deeper and as more of a conductor rather than finisher.
Next steps: Keep, obviously.
Emile Smith Rowe
Season rating: 3/10 - It's a sad story for Emile. The English sensation was once held in as high esteem as Bukayo Saka. Their careers have taken drastically different turns. He played just 347 Premier League minutes, with just 3 starts and 1 assist. Breaking through playing from the left side, he now appears to never be considered as a wide option, which is a shame given nobody has nailed down that left wing spot.
Next steps: Depends on the offer. Ultimately, I think Arsenal should sell Emile or play him more, but after just 3 league starts, I can’t imagine his price being very high. If that’s that case, a loan could be suitable, or reintegration, if Arteta sees that potential in him still. But he can’t keep barely playing.
Fabio Vieira
Season rating: 2/10 - It feels like Fabio has potential, but that his training levels is whats seeing his game time limited. This is backed up by a recent report in The Athletic. Arsenal can’t afford passengers. Vieira has barely made an impact this season, with 1 goal and 3 assists in all competitions. He also has notched up just 292 Premier League minutes, with just 2 starts. Towards the end of the season, he even dropped behind Smith Rowe in the pecking order, so he’s getting a slightly lower grade.
Next steps: Sell or loan. He simply cannot stay in the squad and be used so sparingly. Sell, or loan to help build his value back.
Kai Havertz
Season rating: 8/10 - What a strange first season for Havertz. I was a fan from the off, but had you told me he'd score 13 Premier League goals and 7 assists back in November even I wouldn't have believed you. He has demonstrated the right mental and physical qualities to be a huge part of this squad and he’s still just 24.
Next steps: Keep.
Bukayo Saka
Season rating: 8.5/10 - It feels a little harsh to give Saka lower than some other players, given by a lot of metrics he has been our best player. But this rating is partly based on the fact I feel he has room yet to grow. 16 Premier League goals is his best total yet, though a fair few came from penalties. I think Saka has the potential to go 20 league goals and 10 assists, if he stays on penalties. He's still just 22 and once again has been a joy to watch this season. I hope he's not overplayed at the Euros so he can come back and push on again for us next season.
Next steps: Keep!
Gabriel Jesus
Season rating: 4/10 - Felt suitable to grade Jesus the same as I did Partey. This is a player who we know can be sensational on his day, but that day can’t happen as regularly as we want given his consistently poor fitness record. He seems to still be managing a fitness issue that may be addressed in the summer. 4 Premier League goals is simply not enough for a player who was supposed to be our main man.
Next steps: Keep. Controversial, but I think Jesus brings experience to a very young set of forwards (that may get even younger after a signing). He also has proven to be able to play all across the front three and that’s a really useful quality. It’s also unlikely we get a value that makes a sale worthwhile. For anything less than £30million I’d certainly rather keep him around.
Gabriel Martinelli
Season rating: 6/10 - If I'm saying Saka didn't quite reach the heights he's capable of, then Martinelli certainly didn't. He's had a difficult time given the left side has chopped and changed throughout the season, but Gabi will be disappointed with just 6 league goals and 4 assists. He also lost his place at the end of the season.
Next steps: Keep. He’s just 22 and if Arsenal make the right signings, plus with Timber returning and possibly playing as a left back, Martinelli could find himself in an environment that allows him to flourish much more. He could also get more minutes from the right next season, rotating with Saka.
Eddie Nketiah
Season rating: 3/10 - Eddie can't argue he wasn't trusted this season. At the start of the campaign he was a regular starter and though he bagged a stunning hattrick at home to Sheffield United, he only netted 2 more Premier League goals in 9 other starts and 17 sub appearances. His inability to make a difference off the bench makes it really hard to justify keeping him around and I think it's best for all parties that the 24-year-old moves on.
Next steps: Sell.
Leandro Trossard
Season rating: 8/10 - Perhaps the unsung hero of the season. Other than Jesus, Trossard is the other senior player in this attacking set. The 29-year-old has shown his Premier League experience with goals in vital moments. 12 league goals and featuring in 34 Premier League games, he's been a real important part of this side.
Next steps: Keep. I’d like to see him play a bit more centrally and a few less minutes next season, as he moves into his 30s. Arsenal need more pace on the flanks and they do eventually need to be ready to move on from him, but not yet.
Reiss Nelson
Season rating: 2/10 - I'm putting him in the same boat as Vieira. Signed a new deal and then made just 1 Premier League start and notched up just 174 minutes. He scored a league cup goal but made no impact in the league.
Next steps: Sell.
Find all the latest transfer news over the summer over on fresharsenal.com