Mikel Arteta (foto: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is preparing to sell seven Arsenal players this summer to finance key signings as the Gunners aim to challenge for the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta is preparing for a major squad overhaul at Arsenal this summer, with seven first-team players set to leave as the manager looks to fund a spending spree aimed at finally delivering the Premier League title, according to the Mirror.
With the Gunners already knocked out of both domestic cups and trailing Liverpool by six points in the title race—potentially nine if the Reds win their upcoming Merseyside derby—Arteta is looking to refresh his squad in key areas. While Champions League glory remains a possibility, club legend Paul Merson has expressed doubts following Arsenal’s recent poor showing against Newcastle.
The players set to leave
Raheem Sterling and Neto, both on loan from Chelsea and Bournemouth respectively, will not return to the Emirates once their loan deals expire. Sterling, labeled by some as the "flop of the season" after scoring just one goal in 18 appearances, and veteran goalkeeper Neto, who made only one appearance, were seen as short-term solutions.
Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Kieran Tierney are all out of contract this summer and will leave as free agents. Jorginho is in talks with Flamengo, while Tierney is expected to rejoin Celtic. Both came close to departing in January, but injuries in the squad prevented their exits.
Defensive duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are also set to be sold after falling out of favor. The pair have started just four league games combined this season. While there’s interest in Kiwior, who has struggled since his £16 million move from Spezia, Arsenal may find it difficult to offload Zinchenko, with no offers materializing for the Ukrainian in January.
Arteta’s transfer targets
While these departures may not generate substantial transfer fees, they will significantly reduce the club’s wage bill, allowing Arteta to pursue four key signings.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has emerged as Arsenal’s top striker target, although Alexander Isak would only be available for a Premier League record fee from Newcastle. The Gunners are reportedly close to securing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million, after beating rivals to the highly sought-after midfielder.
Arteta is also targeting teenage sensation Sverre Nypan, following a failed move for the midfielder in January. Additionally, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia remains a long-term goalkeeping target, as Arteta looks for a reliable backup.
With the squad reshaping on the horizon, Arsenal’s immediate focus remains on closing the gap to Liverpool as they prepare to face Leicester City this Saturday.