Arsenal's Champions League semi-final second leg away to Paris Saint-Germain may not only define their season, it could also make or break the futures of eight players
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Head Coach Mikel Arteta of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is assessing his squad (
Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
John Cross
Mikel Arteta is facing the biggest challenge of his Arsenal reign in Paris. And for some members of his Arsenal squad, they are also playing for their long-term futures at the club.
Arsenal trail French champions Paris Saint Germain 1-0 from the first leg last week and face a huge uphill battle to turn the tie around. PSG have gained a reputation for being even stronger at the Parc des Princes so Arteta’s men face a daunting task and yet, after beating Real Madrid in both legs, it is not an impossible one.
But, equally, it will be a defining night for players when heroes can be made and reputations strengthened. Arsenal’s squad has been pushed to the limit this season because of injury and there can be no doubt that a major overhaul is required in this summer’s transfer window.
That will leave several players knowing that they face new competition, new faces and a shake-up after what has been an underwhelming and disappointing domestic season. Wednesday could be the biggest night in the careers of some of these players and that is why they must seize the opportunity to reach the final - but also secure their futures.
Thomas Partey was a huge miss at the Emirates against PSG and not only did Arsenal miss his presence through suspension but also it meant that Declan Rice had to play deeper and the Gunners missed his forward runs. Partey, 31, is out of contract this summer and wants to stay at Arsenal with the club holding initial conversations with the Ghana international.
His previous season was blighted through injury but he has come back well this term and yet the arrival of Martin Zubimendi - who is set to join from Real Sociedad for £51million - casts a fresh doubt on Partey’s future. In the big games, Partey has shown he has something to offer and, with Jorginho set to depart at the end of his contract, Arsenal may need strength in depth.
If it was not for Partey’s performances in Europe then they might have moved on already and yet now there is a dilemma on whether to renew one of the club’s bigger earners. Arsenal are targeting a midfielder, a striker and also a left winger in this window and that has raised doubts over Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as there has been interest in both players from Saudi Arabia.
They may have to sacrifice one of them to bring in a new winger and Martinelli has really stepped up, shining against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. Martinelli looks to have a future while Trossard is older, his contract is running down and, while he has been a superb signing and squad member, his teammate may have grabbed the mantle.
Thomas Partey showed his importance against Bournemouth (
Image:
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Jakub Kiwior looked set to be heading for the exit door this summer with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney but he has been excellent in the absence of Gabriel and may just have staked his claim for another year.
Riccardo Calafiori has been a big disappointment after signing as Arsenal’s biggest deal last summer but the best quality for any new signing is availability. The £42m defender has been plagued by injuries but that was also the case in Italy. That now looks a gamble that has not worked to date.
Which players should Arsenal sell this summer? Give us your picks in the comments section.
Jakub Kiwior has done a tremendous job in the absence of Gabriel (
Image:
Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
David Raya has been superb for Arsenal but has been erratic with his performances - particularly his reckless passing out from the back - and yet knows there is no competition behind him. Arsenal need a new No.2 keeper to apply pressure on Raya and often a reserve keeper can be as important as the No.1 to ensure he stays on his toes.
They will need big performers and big performances in the Parc des Princes to save a season which has still not secured Champions League football for next year. That is why this night is so important for Arsenal - and could have a long term effect on the while squad.
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