Arsenal have enjoyed a busy summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to build a team capable of finally winning a trophy, but a host of players could leave before the end of the transfer window
08:40, 04 Aug 2025Updated 08:41, 04 Aug 2025
Benjamin Sesko was snubbed by Arsenal
Benjamin Sesko was snubbed by Arsenal
The Gunners are gearing up as the new season looms, with just two weeks to go before they kick off their Premier League campaign with a clash against Manchester United.
However, rumours continue to swirl around a potential deal for Crystal Palace and England ace Eberechi Eze after a busy summer in north London. This might hinge on a few departures from the club, with speculation suggesting that five first-team players could be heading for the exit.
Thomas Partey has already waved goodbye as a free agent but is now poised to sign a new contract in Spain.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Partey's new club
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Thomas Partey of Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta of Arsenal celebrating the victory during the UEFA Champions League match between Sporting CP v Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Thomas Partey has found a new club(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to sign with Villarreal this summer after his contract at the Emirates ran out, leaving him free to explore new opportunities.
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Partey was eager to stay in the Champions League, which played a big part in his decision to choose Villarreal, who finished fifth in Spain last season. The midfielder had been linked with clubs across Europe and the Middle East throughout the season.
The Athletic reported that the former Atletico Madrid player was in discussions about staying at the Emirates, but the two sides couldn't agree on the terms of a deal despite negotiations going down to the wire.
Five departures
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Mikel Arteta could see five of his squad members leave before the transfer window slams shut, according to the Daily Mail.
A handful of stars are expected to make their exit; Reiss Nelson appears the most likely, capturing the attention of Fulham, and his departure would see £100,000 slashed from Arsenal's weekly wage bill.
The Gunners are also open to bids for Oleksandr Zinchenko - pocketing £150,000 per week - while Fabio Vieira has piqued West Ham's interest but finds himself deep down the team's pecking order. Albert Sambi Lokonga has also been deemed surplus to requirements.
Leandro Trossard is due for contract renewal talks, but Borussia Dortmund are keeping an eye on him as a potential signing.
Sesko saga
Benjamin Sesko
Man United and Newcastle are going head-to-head for Benjamin Sesko(Image: Getty Images)
ESPN sources reveal that Arsenal sounded the "alarm bells" over the pursuit of Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer.
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Following exploratory talks with Leipzig, the north London club's hierarchy found the total deal for the emerging forward was too pricey for his current abilities.
Sources indicate three major reasons for "alarm bells" surrounding the Sesko deal, including Leipzig's colossal asking fee and the player's salary expectations.
Given Sesko has spent only two seasons in Europe's top-five leagues, scoring 21 goals in all competitions last term, the club harboured concerns about his mental demands to spearhead Arsenal's attack, handle the pressure, and maintain performance.