Arsenal may need to get rid of a few squad members - some of them regarded as important stars - in order to fund new transfers
11:13, 29 Apr 2026
Julian Alvarez.
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Julian Alvarez could head to north London this summer(Image: Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Arsenal may need to sacrifice some of their homegrown stars and key players in order to capture Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Gunners are keen on stealing the Atletico Madrid striker, who they will face in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night. However, a fee in excess of £120million is expected to be required to bring the Argentinian to north London.
But in order to convince Alvarez to join Arsenal, the club will likely have to sell some assets. The Gunners spent around £270m on new transfers last year, without getting rid of any major players.
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Telegraph Sport reported earlier this year that the departure of at least one major first-team player will be required to allow for more meaningful incomings.
Arsenal are expecting Jakub Kiwior to join Porto permanently for a fee of around £15m, after a successful loan deal - but this will likely not be enough.
Jakub Kiwior.
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Jakub Kiwior is already linked with a permanent move to his loan club(Image: Diogo Faria Reis/Soccrates Images/Getty Images)
Two homegrown stars could also be allowed to leave in order to boost Alvarez's potential arrival. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are both considered for sale and would be seen as "pure profit" given their progress through the club's academy.
Nwaneri is already on loan at Marseille but his continued struggles may put clubs off a permanent signing.
Lewis-Skelly has been linked with Manchester United, but Arsenal reportedly want a combined £100m for both homegrown players to leave the club, as per BBC Sport.
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2025 in London, England.
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Arsenal could say goodbye to two homegrown stars(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli is another young star linked with a move away from north London, with rumours suggesting that Saudi Pro League sides are preparing a move for the 24-year-old. The winger is understood to be reassessing his future at Arsenal following the World Cup.
One striker is likely to leave given Arsenal's bulk in the centre-forward area. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres are all operating as target men for the Gunners and one of them could leave to make space for Alvarez.
Jesus is the most probable choice for a departure, given his ranking in the pecking order and his short contract length. The Brazilian's deal expires in 2027, and he recently spoke of his love of Palmeiras in an interview with Globo Esporte during the March international break.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
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Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus could both leave(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
However, Jesus has admitted he would like to sign a new deal at Arsenal, but a move to his boyhood club to end his career may also be on the cards.
Letting go of Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Kiwior, Jesus and Martinelli may be the departures Arsenal require to allow a blockbuster move for Alvarez.
While these deals aren't desperately required before the Gunners try and agree a deal for the striker, sporting director Andrea Berta may plan for outgoings first in order to alleviate pressure early.
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