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Which players could Arsenal sell this summer?
This summer promised to be a pivotal one for Arsenal with Mikel Arteta at a critical juncture in his moulding of the squad at the Emirates Stadium. But with the start of the new Premier League season not far away, the Gunners have made just one significant signing in the transfer market – the £50m capture of Ben White from Brighton. To sign more players, it’s likely Arsenal will have to raise funds through sales. This could force Arteta to make some difficult decisions in order to progress. So who could the Gunners afford to sell? Which players in their current squad with worthwhile transfer market value could be offloaded this summer?
Which players could Arsenal sell this summer?
Hector Bellerin
Earlier in his career, Hector Bellerin was widely seen as one of the best full backs in the Premier League. Since then, though, injuries have hindered the Spaniard’s development to the point he is no longer guaranteed a starting spot in Arteta’s side, with Calum Chambers impressing at right back last season.
Inter are reportedly interested in Bellerin after the departure of Achraf Hakimi, with the 26-year-old believed to be open to a new challenge. Bellerin could benefit from a switch to a new club in a new country and Arsenal could use the money that the Spaniard would likely generate by leaving to sign more players. This is something that could benefit all parties.
Alexandre Lacazette
Despite being an important first team figure for a number of seasons, there has long been questions asked of Alexandre Lacazette’s future at Arsenal. But with the Frenchman now into the final year of his contract in North London, the Gunners would surely be wise to move on the striker this summer to raise some funds.
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Lacazette more than once in recent seasons but getting rid of the 30-year-old would only be worth it if Arsenal enter the market to find a better replacement. As with many of the names on this list, a sale only makes sense if it is part of a bigger plan for the reconstruction of the Gunners’ squad.
Eddie Nketiah
Arsenal fans had high hopes for Eddie Nketiah, who made his breakthrough as one of the best natural goalscorers the club had produced for a number of years. Still only 22 years old, there are some who believe the centre forward should be kept around and given more of a chance to prove what he can do in the first team.
However, Nketiah has just one year left on his contract and so Arsenal might be best cashing in on the striker this summer as part of their overhaul of players. A number of clubs have been recently linked with the 22-year-old who could be a 20-goal-a-season finisher with the right service at the right level. Arsenal would surely find a buyer for the right price.
Bernd Leno
Last summer, Arsenal faced a difficult choice between two goalkeepers. In hindsight, they sold the wrong one, with Emi Martinez one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League for Aston Villa last season, with Bernd Leno error prone for the Gunners. Now, there are questions over the German’s future.
Of course, the sale of Leno would force Arsenal into the transfer market to find a new number one, but the money the German goalkeeper’s sale would generate could make a bigger difference on an outfield player. Leno is contracted until 2023, so the North London club might not get many more opportunities to attract a big fee for him.
Granit Xhaka
Until recently, it appeared Granit Xhaka was as good as gone at the Emirates Stadium. Indeed, the Swiss midfielder was, by all accounts, on the brink of signing for Roma with Jose Mourinho keen on adding Xhaka to his team. Since then, though, discussions between Arsenal and the Serie A club have stalled, with Roma reportedly unhappy the pay the fee Arsenal want.
Xhaka enjoyed an excellent Euro 2020 for his country, prompting many to question whether Arteta could get more out of the player this season. The 28-year-old, however, has been in North London for a number of years now and Arsenal must weigh up whether or not it might be better to replace Xhaka in the middle of the pitch after so many false dawns. He is one of the players that Arsenal surely need to cash in on while his stock is high.
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