The nine players Arteta is set to axe in Arsenal summer exodus
Cameron Smith
- 24 May 2022 18:13 BST
- 3 min read
Mikel Arteta is set to enact a reshuffle of his Arsenal squad as they prepare for life back in European football.
The Gunners missed out on a place in the Champions League after a poor run of results to close out the Premier League season, but their fifth place finish means the Europa League will be welcomed back at the Emirates Stadium.
After a year without any form of football on the continent, after finishing eighth last season, Arsenal's fixture list will become far heavier next year.
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However, while arrivals are still being pursued, in the form of Gabriel Jesus and Aaron Hickey among many others, departures could dictate their transfer dealings.
A lack of squad depth saw injuries to Thomas Partey, Benjamin White, Takehiro Tomiaysu and Kieran Tierney derailed Arsenal's season in the last few weeks with fourth place slipping from their grasp despite leading Tottenham for the majority of the season.
But, Arteta is reportedly set to see up to nine first-team players leave on permanent transfers this summer.
Signings are likely to arrive at Arsenal, with centre-forward a particular area of note, but departures could trump any new additions.
Who could Arsenal sell?
According to The Sun, Arsenal want to raise at least €70 million from player sales in order to fund their summer business. After spending the most money of any Premier League club last summer, it appears that Arsenal need to sell in order to buy during this upcoming transfer window.
Matteo Guendouzi and Dinos Mavropanos have both agreed to make their loan deals permanent, to Marsielle and Stuttgart respectively, while Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Pablo Mari and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could join them in leaving the club following loan moves this season.
Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are both out of contract this summer and are both yet to agree a new deal. Nketiah is the more likely to extend his stay at the club, although nothing has been agreed.
Furthermore, Bernd Leno could depart after losing his number one spot to Aaron Ramsdale this season.
The futures of Reiss Nelson and William Saliba are also unknown with both experiencing encouraging seasons out on loan. Arteta has expressed his desire to keep Saliba at the club next season, but the Frenchman has revealed he would like to return to Marseille.
Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal
