3 loanees Arsenal need to integrate into the first-team next season

Arsenal have a vast number of players out on-loan this season, ranging from talented youngsters to out-of-favour well-known names, and there is an argument that many of those currently away from the club could have played a part in the first-team.

The Gunners’ squad this season has been far from their best and specific areas have looked considerably weaker than their rivals in the top-six, which is perhaps a reason for the North London outfit experiencing a decline from a push for the title to a battle for a top-four finish.

Fortunately, those away from the club are not yet set to leave permanently and there is a chance for them to redeem themselves at the Emirates Stadium- and these particular players could prove to be a useful asset in the Gunners campaign next season.

Arsenal certainly have some decisions to make this summer but it’s clear there’s room for these three players to be integrated into the first-team squad once again.

Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish goalkeeper was previously first-choice at the Emirates Stadium but fell down the pecking order following poor performances, which allowed David Ospina to move ahead of him, whilst the signing of Petr Cech pushed him out of favour altogether.

However, Cech has looked shaky this season and Ospina, despite impressive performances, still seems a bit short to be Arsenal’s go-to choice in every match. That could leave the door open for Szczesny, who’s impressed during the past 18 months at Roma.

In 25 Serie A matches this season, Szczesny has kept 11 clean sheets and conceded 22 goals. Cech, in comparison, has conceded 28 goals and kept just 8 clean sheets in the same number of matches.

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere was a surprise mover away from North London on Deadline Day last summer, with the England international keen to move on to secure more regular first-team opportunities. Had he stayed at Arsenal though, those openings would have fallen his way due to injuries within the Gunners’ ranks.

Wilshere has played 20 games for Bournemouth this season and averages creating 1.45 chances per game, compared to Santi Cazorla’s 1.25. His pass completion (85%) is a tad lower than Cazorla’s 91% but the numbers are there to suggest Arsenal already have a ready-made replacement in their squad for the ageing Spaniard.

Gedion Zelalem

Young Gedion Zelalem has been on the fringes of the first-team for a while and remains as one of the most highly-rated young talents within the Gunners set-up. However, first-team opportunities haven’t really fallen his way.

Now 20, Zelalem needs experience at the top-level and Arsenal could provide that in North London, just like they have done with Alex Iwobi. The Gunners midfield may be well-stocked with talent but Cazorla won’t be around for too much longer, whilst Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka are always likely to serve a suspension or two.