Arsenal may still be in the Champions League, awaiting a daunting quarter-final tie with Real Madrid, but any ambitions they harboured on the domestic scene are surely now over.
The Gunners sit 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool and as a result, attentions must turn towards the summer window.
Whatever happens, incoming sporting director Andrea Berta needs to sign a new striker. If he doesn't, he will already be on thin ice with supporters at the Emirates Stadium.
Berta's most expensive transfers (timeless)
Alexander Isak is the number one target for a lot of clubs around Europe while Benjamin Sesko remains a long-term option for Arsenal. It's also reported that Berta is a fan of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
Before then, however, Arsenal may need a summer clearout. Here's who could depart the Emirates...
Arsenal's big summer clearout
With Arteta's men sat second in the title and in the last eight of Europe, a clearout perhaps seems a bit excessive.
However, the hierarchy need to raise the floor of the squad and they will only do that by getting rid of some of the deadwood.
So, let's take a look at the wage bill. One of the prime candidates to be moved on this summer would have been Gabriel Jesus.
Gabriel-Jesus-Arsenal
The Brazilian is the second-highest earner at the club behind Kai Havertz on £265k-per-week but his season-ending ACL injury has ended any hopes Arsenal had of potentially cashing in. Of course, we wish him a speedy recovery.
That aside, midfield duo Thomas Partey and Jorginho are likely to depart north London when their contracts expire in the summer. They won't make the club any money but Oleksandr Zinchenko may do.
The Ukrainian has become a bit-part member of the first-team squad and having been linked with Borussia Dortmund in January, looks like he could be on his way out.
Another defender in Jakub Kiwior could also leave. He was touted with a return to Italy in the winter and has seen his game time decrease this season.
In the attacking department, Leandro Trossard could also be shelved. The Belgian has only scored six times this term and it's alleged that there is interest from Saudi Arabia in the former Brighton star.
trossard-arsenal-champions-league
He's not the only attacker who should be on the chopping block, however.
Edu's Brazilian acquisition will never play for Arsenal again
While Trossard's future is very much up in the air, the future of winger Marquinhos looks a lot more clear-cut. Remember him? Just about, right?
Marquinhos-Arsenal-Nwaneri
The Brazilian talent signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for just £3m, with Edu and Co hoping to repeat the success story of Gabriel Martinelli's introduction to English football.
Marquinhos initially made quite a big impression, notably scoring on his debut in September 2022, finding the back of the net in a Europa League tie with FC Zurich.
Possessing a dangerous left foot and causing havoc from the right-hand side, it drew comparisons to a certain Bukayo Saka. Speaking after that goal, Martin Keown commented that "it was like Saka in that position, it's almost a copycat performance."
"He looked a bit like a Gnabry-type player. He’s short, stocky, explosive pace. He looked very classy. He picked and chose his moments cleverly, whipped a couple of crosses in. Really good quality. He kept on producing." - Keown on Marquinhos.
Sadly, since that night in Switzerland, the young forward hasn't really taken his game to a strong level.
First Impressions FFC
First Impressions
What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.
He ended his debut campaign in England by appearing in six games and remarkably hasn't been seen in Arsenal colours again, last appearing for the senior side in January 2023, an FA Cup tie with Oxford United.
Since his first year in England, Marquinhos has endured loan spells at Norwich City, Nantes, Fluminense and Cruzeiro.
Marquinhos' senior career
Club
Sao Paulo
Fluminense
Norwich
Cruziero
Nantes
Arsenal
Stats via Transfermarkt.
Looking at the numbers, it's safe to say that the 21-year-old has struggled big time to find form. He's still young but it looks as though his immediate career is back in his homeland of Brazil.
He's now playing for Cruzeiro having signed on loan in January and won't return until December, that's providing they don't utilise their option to buy.
Marquinhos-Norwich-Arsenal
Either way, this is a player who is destined never to play for the club again. He's gone from looking like a Saka regen to a player lacking end product.
Emile Smith Rowe playing for Arsenal Related
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The incredible talent will be a superstar for Arsenal.