Five players Arsenal cannot afford to lose in Champions League quest after stale transfer window

Arsenal endured a frustrating end to the January transfer window, despite being linked with a plethora of names.

The most eye-catching transfer was an out-going one., with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving the north London club, signing on a free transfer with Barcelona, leaving the Gunners light in attack.

The Gabon star wasn’t the only player to depart the Emirates last month; Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Florin Balogun were loaned out to Roma and Middlesbrough, respectively, while Saed Kolasinac joined Marseille on a free transfer.

A number of other stars including Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers also departed the club, leaving Arsenal with a threadbare squad.

The Gunners will undoubtedly save money on wages which could go towards summer signings, but are still in the midst of a battle to finish in the top four.

With that in mind looks at the five players Arsenal simply cannot do without in their quest for Champions League football.

The Frenchman’s importance to the club has heightened due to Aubameyang’s departure.

The Gunners are particularly light up front, with Eddie Nketiah the only other senior striker at the club, but the 22-year-old is still unproven at Premier League level.

Lacazette has only scored five goals across all competitions this season, but his leadership and experience are essential to this young Arsenal side.

The Gunners top four hopes effectively rest on his shoulders.

White is forging a promising partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence, but following the departures of Mari and Chambers they lack depth in this area.

Should the former Brighton star pick up an injury, Rob Holding would be the club's only other senior centre-back.

It could prove to be a costly error for the Gunners to