Although they challenged on all fronts, a Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG earlier this week meant it was another trophyless campaign for Arsenal, which is sure to set off alarm bells at the Emirates Stadium. Since his appointment, Mikel Arteta has orchestrated a major rebuild in north London, but a significant shakeup is now required.
The Spaniard needs backing in the summer transfer window if Arsenal are to close the gap on the very best in Europe, with the Gunners capable of pushing for silverware with a sprinkling of level-raising signings. However, sales will be required to conduct the overhaul required. Express Sport takes a look at those who will and could be shown the exit at the end of the season to fund the reshuffle…
Raheem Sterling
The loan signing of Sterling proved to be a mistake by all parties. The England international has not shown himself to best effect with the Gunners, who won't struggle to find an upgrade.
Neto
Finding a willing deputy for David Raya could be a tough task, but Arsenal are capable of finding a higher-quality option to Neto. The Bournemouth loanee has made one appearance for the Gunners since his arrival and, aged 35, does not have many seasons left in the tank.
Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal need at least one top striker this summer, and that may come at the expense of Jesus. The Brazil international has struggled with injuries since joining the club but still has market value, and his sale could raise important funds from a player who is unlikely to spearhead a title charge nowadays.
Kieran Tierney
With his contract expiring at the end of the season and Celtic lying in wait, Tierney looks set to depart. There are several defenders above the Scot in the pecking order with the Gunners, and a parting of ways appears to be the ideal resolution to his situation.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
With Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber able to slot in at left-back, Zinchenko’s days with Arsenal appear numbered. The Ukraine international is no longer at the standard required in north London and could be cashed in on.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Availability is the best ability, and Tomiyasu struggles on that front. He has missed far too many games since joining the Gunners and cannot be considered a back-up option in defence next season simply because it is uncertain whether he will ever truly be 100 per cent fit.
Jorginho
Jorginho has added experience and leadership to the Arsenal dressing room since his arrival, but a move to Flamengo beckons when his contract expires this summer.
Leandro Trossard
Trossard is capable of providing a spark in the final third, but with new attacking signings in the pipeline, he may not be the type of forward they need off of the bench anymore. The Belgian international has shown that he struggles as a makeshift No. 9, meaning that he will be competing with a new signing and Gabriel Martinelli for minutes on the left next season if he is not moved on.
Fabio Vieira
Martin Odegaard has struggled for extended periods of this season, but there is still not a feeling that Arsenal regret loaning Vieira out to Porto, which is a problem. The 24-year-old has emerged with credit from his stint in his homeland and could fetch a tidy fee.
Nuno Tavares
The defender joined Lazio on a loan-to-buy deal in the summer and the Gunners are already well-stocked in the left-back position thanks to the emergence of Lewis-Skelly and the signing of Calafiori.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
Sevilla have the option to make Lokonga’s loan deal permanent for £10million this summer, and a sale is likely to be planned even if the Spaniards do not activate the clause now that he is entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal.
Marquinhos
The winger has failed to live up to expectations since joining the Gunners in 2022, so much so that he is struggling for minutes on loan at Brazilian side Cruzeiro.
Reiss Nelson
Although his loan move to Fulham does not include a buyout clause, a sale beckons for the Arsenal academy product as injuries continue to take their toll on his career.