Mikel Arteta has approved the departure of five Arsenal players in a big team refresh, with one transfer almost done.
Arsenal is open to offers for at least five players this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta focuses on making some changes to the squad.
So far, the Gunners have signed four new players, including a £75 million deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. They also brought in former Norwich winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for about £35 million. Illan Meslier joined as goalkeeper cover after his contract with Leeds ended, and Piero Hincapie made his move permanent from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5 million plus add-ons, following a successful loan last season.
Arsenal has also made some money by letting Jakub Kiwior, Christian Norgaard, and Leandro Trossard leave for FC Porto, Everton, and Besiktas, bringing in just under £40 million.
However, Arteta still hopes to sign another forward and maybe a centre-back, after missing out on Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
According to BBC Sport, Arsenal is willing to let left winger Gabriel Martinelli go if they get a good offer after his World Cup with Brazil. Gabriel Jesus, who didn’t play in the World Cup, could leave too, as well as Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira. Vieira hasn’t played for Arsenal since 2024 and has spent time on loan at FC Porto and Hamburg last season.
Young player Ethan Nwaneri is in a similar spot after a loan at Marseille. Also, Reiss Nelson might soon join West Ham, who were relegated to the Championship. Arsenal has been talking with West Ham about a possible deal, as their manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants more attacking players. Nelson’s contract ends next summer, and Brentford, where he was on loan last season, chose not to sign him permanently.
Sky Sports News adds that Serie A team Napoli is interested in Gabriel Jesus, with Arsenal looking for between £18-20 million. Napoli might get some money by selling Romelu Lukaku, who recently joined Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Reports from Turkey also say Galatasaray wants to sign both Nwaneri and Martinelli in a ‘package deal.’
All these moves could free up space in Arsenal’s budget and wage bill as the summer transfer window comes to a close.