Per Mikel Arteta's decision, 14 Arsenal players are going to exit the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.
In a span of just two seasons, Arteta succeeded in creating a squad to challenge the Premier League title. This was achieved thanks to scouting for hidden talents like Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and signing more experienced players like Jorginho and Leandro Trossard and famous ballers like Oleksandr Zichenko and Gabriel Jesus.
Following the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, the 41-year-old manager admitted the need for the squad to level up. "I know we’re not at that level, but we have to find a way," explained the Spaniard.
Arsenal experienced a late decline in their Premier League title race after holding the lead for a remarkable 248 days. However, The Gunners' form dwindled towards the end of the season, and City's 4-1 victory over their title rivals at the Etihad Stadium significantly tilted the balance in their favor.
Who will leave Arsenal?
Some of the confirmed names to depart from the Emirates Stadium include Switzerland international Granit Xhaka who is set to join Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. The contract with the German team is expected to keep Xhaka there until 2027.
Another midfielder who is speculated to exit the Emirates is Thomas Partey, who is attracting interest from Italy.
Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe are two players who have been overlooked by their Spanish manager giving rise to speculations that they could be set to the market this summer.
Rob Holding, who currently has a year left on his contract with Arsenal, struggled with an injury and is expected to leave Arteta's side this summer alongside Reiss Nelson. The latter has rejected multiple offers to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite satisfactory loan spells Hale Enders Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun are likely to be off the squad this summer as they have not been considered to join the first team anytime soon.
Another set of players on loan, Nicolas Pepe and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have not had a remarkable period away to Nice and Southampton, another pressing factor for them to depart from Arsenal in the nearest time. The latter of the two will leave North London as a free agent.
Despite having two years until the expiration of his current deal, Nuno Tavares, another loanee will probably make a permanent leave from the club
There are two ways that Albert Sambi Lokonga could leave Arsenal this summer. Either he will leave on loan to another English club or make a permanent move, as well. Pablo Mari meanwhile will exit to join Monza after they secured Serie A spot.
After the departure of all these Gunners, Arteta's side will have ample financial means to land skilled professionals like Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo from their rival Manchester City. West Ham captain Declan Rice, too is a top target for the club after a long period of talks with the Englishman.
Extended contracts
Since the beginning of the current campaign to now, Arsenal has secured the services of some of its best talents. In February it was announced that Gabriel Martinez has prolonged his existing deal with the club. Just a few days ago Arsenal announced the freshly established long-term deal with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
On May 23, the club announced a new deal with homegrown talent Bukayo Saka which will keep him a Gunner until 2027.
Multiple reports indicate that contracts with contract extension talks are underway with Martin Odegaard and Ben White and William Saliba.
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