Arsenal
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Arsenal are reportedly planning to sell up to six first-team players at the end of the season. The Gunners have faced mounting scrutiny following their inability to secure key transfer targets last summer, a situation compounded by their difficult start to the current campaign. They sit fourth in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
As discussions intensify around potential signings ahead of the January transfer window,The Athletic’s James McNicholas has reported that Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, and Nuno Tavares.
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Jesus and Zinchenko joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for a combined £77 million, making an immediate impact and elevating the team’s competitiveness in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are among the players who could leave Arsenal next summer (Image credit: getty Images)
However, their influence has waned. Jesus suffered a serious knee injury during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and missed several months of action. Since his return, he has struggled to regain top form, with recurring fitness issues further hindering his progress. This has allowed Kai Havertz to establish himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice striker after excelling in the role towards the end of last season.
Zinchenko, meanwhile, has seen his stock fall due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite his technical abilities, the Ukrainian has faced criticism for his defensive shortcomings. With Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival and the emergence of young prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly, Zinchenko’s playing time has diminished. Arteta has often opted for the defensive reliability of Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, or Jakub Kiwior in his place, fueling speculation about Zinchenko’s future.
Polish defender Jakub Kiwior is also reportedly on the chopping block. Limited playing time this season has led to strong links with a return to Italy, where clubs such as Inter Milan, Napoli, Roma, and Juventus have expressed interest in the versatile defender.
Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior is a transfer target for Italian clubs (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal are also expected to part ways with several players currently out on loan. Reiss Nelson has impressed at Fulham, potentially securing a permanent move, while Nuno Tavares has excelled at Lazio in Serie A, contributing eight assists and earning his first call-up to the Portugal national team during the November international break.
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Albert Sambi Lokonga, on the other hand, has endured a challenging loan spell at Sevilla due to injuries. Now fully fit, the Belgian midfielder will look to restart his career after previous stints at Crystal Palace and Luton Town failed to yield success.
Arsenal
Reiss Nelson is curently on loan at Fulham (Image credit: Getty Images)
Kieran Tierney is another player whose future at Arsenal remains uncertain. The Scottish defender recently returned from an injury sustained during Euro 2024. However, Tierney’s playing style is viewed as less suited to Arteta’s tactical approach, placing him further down the pecking order.
With Arsenal aiming to address squad imbalances and improve consistency, the summer promises to be pivotal for the Gunners. While the focus remains on strengthening the team during the January transfer window, these expected departures underline a clear intent to reshape the squad for future success.
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