Alan Smith Names Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal's First Summer Exit, Insists Trossard Must Stay

Arsenal's Premier League triumph—their first in 22 years—came with a Champions League final appearance to boot, yet former Gunner Alan Smith reckons Mikel Arteta has work to do if the Londoners are to establish genuine dominance.

Three first-teamers should be shown the door this summer, according to Smith, with one name standing out as the obvious candidate for the chop.

Speculation has swirled around Leandro Trossard, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, but Smith's assessment is crystal clear: only one deserves to stay put.

Speaking to Metro, Smith made his case: "The only one from that list I wouldn't want to see go is Leandro Trossard. He can score important goals and he's a very clever player, versatile as well. He's mainly played on the left, but he can come inside. He's a big fan favourite as well."

As for the Brazilian striker, Smith sees the writing on the wall. "I can see Gabriel Jesus going as well, certainly if Arsenal buy another striker which it looks like they're trying to do. I think he would be the first one that they would try and offload."

The numbers back up Smith's thinking on Trossard versus Martinelli. Last season in the Premier League, the Belgian winger notched six goals and six assists—a stark contrast to Martinelli's solitary goal and four assists. When you're keeping one and ditching the other, the choice becomes rather straightforward.

White, meanwhile, has served Arsenal faithfully but finds himself surplus to requirements with Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera capable of filling his role. A fresh start elsewhere would likely suit the defender better.

Jesus's case is equally compelling. Injuries plagued his campaign, and with Arsenal already proving they can win without him, bringing in a new forward makes his departure logical—particularly if a replacement is incoming.

The blueprint, then, is clear: shift the deadwood, reinvest wisely, and Arsenal could yet reach that next level Arteta craves.