Former Gunner, Charlie Nicholas, has a long list of players that he reckons Arsene Wenger needs to offload in January.

Nicholas, who made over 150 appearances for Arsenal between 1983-1988, believes that Arsenal currently need to get rid of more players than they need to sign.

“I don’t think much has changed from the summer in that there are a few players Arsene Wenger needs to move on,” Nicholas told Sky Sports. “The key for me is unloading all of the players who are not doing the business to freshen up the squad.

“Top of that list is Alexis Sanchez. Just move him on and end this farce. With that money, the top of the list of positions is at least one centre-back – two ideally – but that’s not realistic in this window, so one top centre-back. I’m also interested in us getting a right-back to push Hector Bellerin, with Carl Jenkinson, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers also on the list of players I would move on.

“It has been so poor defensively for four, five seasons and a defensive-minded midfielder would really help us out. I don’t bring Steven N’Zonzi into that party, I’d be more interested in somebody like Abdoulaye Doucouré, who could play a deeper role quite nicely for us.

“I also think Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott would want out so we would need cover in those attacking areas and I would consider Wilfried Zaha and would have him ahead of Riyad Mahrez.”

I don’t think there’s a person on this planet who reckons that Arsenal need to keep Alexis Sanchez past January. The 29-year-old wants to leave and, since he’s playing as if he couldn’t care less 99% of the time, he’s just taking up a space in the squad.

alexis sanchez west ham
Alexis Sanchez against West Ham. Picture: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images

Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy also do need to go since the Frenchman has only made six starts this season and Jenks is nowhere to be seen since injuring his shoulder while on loan at Birmingham.

Theo Walcott is also seriously struggling for game time and while I would prefer Olivier Giroud to stay – as would most Gooners – he’s understandably eager to get more minutes under his belt. Since the 31-year-old has just one Premier League start this season, I doubt he sees his future in north London any more.

I don’t think Arsene Wenger will sell Calum Chambers yet. The 22-year-old only signed a new contract with Arsenal in October.

When it comes to signings, I agree that we need a replacement for Alexis and a centre-back. While Riyad Mahrez and Wilfried Zaha aren’t quite on the Chilean’s level when he’s in form, having just about anyone to fill in would be preferable to no one.

As far as a centre-back is concerned, we need someone experienced to come in. Per Mertesacker is standing down at the end of the season and Laurent Koscielny’s Achilles has seen better days.

While I’m not convinced that Watford’s Doucouré is the right man for the job, at least the 25-year-old has Premier League experience.