11 players who could leave Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta plans another overhaul

Arsenal are presently competing for the Premier League title with Manchester City, but preparations are already in place for a significant makeover of Mikel Arteta’s team in the summer.

Arsenal could let up to 11 first-team players leave this summer, with Mikel Arteta already planning another revamp.

This season, the Gunners have had a tremendous season and are in a close competition with Manchester City for the Premier League title. Despite a hiccup in recent weeks, they have secured their return to the Champions League.

There are preparations in place to restructure the squad ahead of their maiden return to the tournament, with a number of first-team stars said to be on the chopping block. Academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles has already declared his departure, while Reiss Nelson might possibly go at the end of his deal due to interest from AC Milan.

They may be followed by several established first-team players. According to rumors, the Gunners are open to bids for players like as Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka, and Folarin Balogun.

Xhaka has been a constant for Arsenal this season, but with plans to rebuild the club’s midfield, the Swiss international might be sacrificed to earn finances. Tierney, who has fallen behind summer addition Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order, might also go. Newcastle is said to be interested in the former Celtic star.

There is also considerable conjecture over the future of loan star Folarin Balogun. The academy graduate had a fantastic temporary stint in France, scoring 18 goals in Ligue 1.

Balogun is reported to be willing to move on if chances in north London do not present themselves. A number of clubs have been linked with the striker, with the Gunners reportedly requesting £26 million for his services.

With a slew of other marginal males on the market, the exits are unlikely to finish there. After failing to make an impact at the Emirates, record signing Nicolas Pepe has spent the season on loan at Nice.

He is no longer in Arteta’s plans and might be moved, though Arsenal would most certainly want to reclaim a major chunk of the £72 million they paid to bring him from Lille in 2019. Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, and Cedric Soares might all be released after spending the current season on loan with Crystal Palace, Marseille, and Fulham, respectively.

Pablo Mari and Runar Alex Runarsson are two more players who don’t appear to have a future in north London and would welcome opportunities abroad ahead of the new season.

Arsenal’s director of football, Edu, has already stated that plans for the summer transfer window are in the works. In March, he stated, “It’s already started [summer preparation], you know what’s going on [in] the market.” Everyone is working and doing things; you have to plan ahead of time to be prepared, and we will be well-prepared when summer arrives.”