Gunners who have to go following season after season of disappointment

Manuel Almunia

Even back in 2004, after arriving from Spain, he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons after making key errors in three successive games. That was seven years ago and nothing has changed. In his time he has skippered the club and played in a Champions League final – extraordinary, because he is simply not good enough to wear the Arsenal shirt.

Denilson

The Brazilian has flattered to deceive and last week claimed he wants to leave because he is a winner – a laughable notion. Few Arsenal fans will mourn his expected departure. One-paced, with few frills, he seems to have plodded along at Emirates. A move to Roma is mooted.

Abou Diaby

He has promised much, but delivered little. Injury-prone and inconsistent, he occasionally shows glimpses of the kind of swashbuckling defensive midfielder – with the occasional burst of attacking firepower – he has always threatened to be. Spends too much time on the sidelines – a change would be good for both player and club.

Tomas Rosicky

Remains a peripheral figure at the Emirates, spending far too much time in the treatment room and with little to show when he emerges. The Czech is revered in his homeland, but his best days are long gone. Brittle and not the man you need on your side when the going gets tough, he scored just once in 39 appearances for club and country last year – at Leyton Orient.

Nicklas Bendtner

Had plenty of opportunities, but the Dane is a man whose talent does not justify his self-confidence.

When he missed that vital late chance at Barcelona, it merely underlined his shortcomings. A top striker would have made that one chance count. Devastating against poor opposition, found wanting in the big games. His dad says Bayern Munich are interested ... auf wiedersehen, Nicklas!