Arsenal Set to Sell Up to Six Players This Summer as Part of Major Squad Overhaul

Arsenal are reportedly planning to sell up to six first-team players at the end of the season as part of a squad overhaul. The Gunners have faced growing pressure following their inability to secure key transfer targets last summer and their tough start to the current season. With the team sitting fourth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, the club is now looking to make changes.

According to The Athletic’s James McNicholas, Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, and Nuno Tavares. Let’s take a closer look at each player and what their future at the club might hold.

When Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for a combined £77 million, they made an immediate impact, helping the team push for the Premier League title. However, both players have struggled with injuries and have not been able to maintain the same level of performance this season.

Jesus missed several months of action after suffering a serious knee injury during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Since returning, he has had difficulty regaining his top form, and his recurring fitness issues have made it harder for him to perform at his best. This has allowed Kai Havertz to take over as Mikel Arteta’s preferred striker.

Zinchenko, who is known for his technical ability, has also faced a dip in form. Injuries and inconsistent performances, especially defensively, have caused his stock to fall. With new signings like Riccardo Calafiori and young prospects like Myles Lewis-Skelly, as well as the defensive reliability of Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu, Zinchenko has seen his playing time decrease.

Polish defender Jakub Kiwior is also reportedly on the chopping block. With limited playing time this season, he is being linked with a return to Italy. Several top Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma, and Juventus, have shown interest in the versatile defender, who could be on his way out of Arsenal in the summer.

Arsenal are also expected to part ways with some players currently out on loan. Reiss Nelson, who has been performing well at Fulham, could secure a permanent move to the Premier League side. Nuno Tavares, on loan at Lazio in Serie A, has also been impressive, contributing eight assists and earning a call-up to the Portugal national team. His time at Lazio has raised his stock, and a permanent move away from Arsenal seems likely.

Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has struggled in his loan spell at Sevilla due to injuries. After a series of unsuccessful loans at Crystal Palace and Luton Town, the 24-year-old will be hoping for a fresh start now that he is fully fit. His future at Arsenal will depend on whether he can find a new club that offers him regular first-team football.

While Kieran Tierney has recently returned from an injury sustained during Euro 2024, his future at Arsenal remains uncertain. His playing style, which is more direct and attacking, is seen as less suited to Arteta’s tactical approach. As a result, he finds himself lower down the pecking order, with a potential move away from the club in the summer looking increasingly likely.

With Arsenal aiming to improve the consistency of their squad and address any imbalances, the upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a crucial time for the club. While attention is focused on potential signings during the January transfer window, the expected departures highlight Arsenal’s intention to reshape the squad for long-term success.

These changes reflect Arsenal’s ambitions to strengthen their team and move forward under Mikel Arteta, with a clearer plan in place for the club’s future. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the club’s transfer dealings, as the Gunners look to rebuild and challenge for top honors in the seasons to come.