With new signings and players coming back from injuries it is obvious that some players will soon find themselves on the fringes but that does not necessarily mean that they are surplus to requirements.
For any top-six team to be successful in the pursuit for a top-four place and potentially win a cup they will need strength-in-depth and that is why you do not always off-load players no longer regarded as first-team material.
These are the players I think can be great for backups….
Sead Kolasinac
The Bosnian is almost certain to lose his place to Kieran Tierney but with European and domestic cups there is every reason to believe he will still get significant game time this season. It is imperative that Tierney has a back up in the event of any injuries or suspensions.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
His position is in serious danger even with Hector Bellerin yet to return to full match fitnes,s but in all fairness he was never a right-back anyway. Maitland-Niles may yet force his way into the reckoning for a midfield spot and he will have the opportunity to make a case for himself in the cup competitions.
Mesut Ozil
He does seem to be nothing more than a bit-part player these days but a transfer is unlikely, and he does retain the ability to change a game at will. He may not be the force he once was, but bringing him on at crucial times in important games could be just what the doctor has ordered. Ozil can still have a role to play if he accepts his new status in the squad.
Shkodran Mustafi
There was a time when the German defender was almost certain to be offloaded and he was definitely not a fan favourite, but he has got his head down and got on with it and the result has been some decent performances this season when called upon. His career is not necessarily over with at Arsenal if he keeps on doing what he has been and accepts that he is a squad player but not necessarily a first-teamer.
Granit Xhaka
The Swiss international is holding on to his place by the skin of his teeth and it can only be a matter of time before Unai Emery realises that he cannot keep relying on his captain. That said, Emery does have a soft spot for Xhaka and as soon as he can turn his game around and get his confidence back then he will have a first-team spot waiting for him. Emery will ensure that.
Are there any other players you think should be classified as squad players but are unlikely to take a first XI spot?