Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has suggested that some of his teammates will be leaving the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Rice was named man of the match on Sunday as his curling strike in the second half secured three points and their place in next season's Champions League. Finishing runners-up again was not the target for the Gunners with qualification for next season's top-tier European competition seen as the minimum target.
After a disappointing campaign, Rice was asked for his thoughts on the season and gave a telling response. "Hopefully we strengthen... will probably lose a few [players]," he told Sky Sports on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.
Exactly which players Rice sees leaving the club is unclear. Loanees Raheem Sterling and Neto will be expected back at their parent clubs Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth respectively.
Jorginho will be leaving the club at the end of his contract and shall be moving to South America to play with Flamengo. Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has been confirmed as a Celtic player for next season.
The true unknown among the players that are out of contract is Thomas Partey. The midfielder seemed to be exit-bound earlier in the season, especially when it became clearer that Martin Zubimendi is a top target for Mikel Arteta.
However, recent weeks have seen reports that Arsenal may be willing to agree a new deal for Partey after his recent impressive displays. Elsewhere, Jakub Kiwior continues to be linked with an exit thanks to his good performances in the absence of first-choice centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal have just one match remaining this season, which shall be a trip to relegated Southampton next Sunday.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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