Unai Emery hints at departures as Gunners rebuild, Latest Football News - The New Paper
Football

Unai Emery hints at departures as Gunners rebuild

Some players may need to leave Arsenal as Unai Emery continues to rebuild the squad, the manager has said after they were thrashed 4-1 by Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku yesterday morning (Singapore time).

Second-half goals from Olivier Giroud, Pedro Rodriguez and a double from Eden Hazard ensured Arsenal failed to win their fourth successive European final.

Emery said his team, who finished fifth in the English Premier League, were still very much in a "process" and he would evaluate his options over the summer.

He conceded that Chelsea had deserved their victory.

"We need to speak with the club, speak with the players, and do one step more in our way.

"But our idea is to continue carrying on improving with the young players who arrived last year.

"Maybe some players need to leave, to take a new way.

"We are closer to the other teams. At the moment, it's not enough, but we can continue with the same team next year.

"Other players will come in and help us get better in our capacity."

The defeat means Arsenal failed to earn a spot in next season's Champions League for the third successive season, but Emery said another Europa League campaign would not put off potential targets joining the club.

"I think Arsenal is a big name in the football world, and a lot of players want to play here," he added.

"The transfers, I don't know for next year. But the club is working to improve and to take all we need to go our way.

"Also, we have a lot of players with the possibility to improve." - REUTERS

Football