Arsenal head into the summer transfer window anticipating an extremely busy few months.
Mikel Arteta will be aiming to continue his positive work at the Emirates Stadium and the latest stage of doing that involves welcoming a number of new names to North London. Before that, though, a few of his current Gunners players could be set to leave the club ahead of the fresh campaign to make space in the squad.
A vast array of players have already been linked with summer exits. Some of these are to be expected, whilst others could be more of a surprise. With that being said, Mirror Sport takes a look at those who could potentially wave goodbye to Arsenal ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Bernd Leno
Ever since the arrival of Aaron Ramsdale, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. He has just one year remaining on his contract and it appears unlikely that he will remain an Arsenal player for much longer.
The German has been linked with a number of clubs ahead of a potential decision, with Portuguese giants Benfica emerging as potential suitors for his services.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Whilst Leno is surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium, the first surprise departure this summer could potentially be Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes. The former Lille man has forged an impressive partnership alongside Benjamin White over the past year and has generated interest.
It has been reported that Serie A outfit Juventus are potentially eyeing a move for his services this summer. Whilst the North Londoners will be reluctant to let the centre-back depart, it remains to be seen whether the Old Lady can stump up an offer to tempt them into a sale.
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Granit Xhaka
Midfielder Granit Xhaka could potentially follow Gabriel to Serie A this summer. The Switzerland star was linked with a move to Roma last summer, when Jose Mourinho was keen to sign him. However, negotiations collapsed as Xhaka penned a new deal with Arsenal.
That has not made his future any more certain, though, with reports suggesting that the Italian side are still keen to bring him to the Stadio Olimpico.
Nicolas Pepe
Still Arsenal’s record signing, Ivorian winger Pepe has never quite managed to hit the heights expected of him at the Emirates Stadium. He has just two years remaining on his current Gunners’ contract having fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
That could potentially see the North London side attempt to cash in on the forward this summer. French sides Marseille and Lyon have been linked with a move for the £72million man this summer.
Alexandre Lacazette
Another who could potentially be in line for a return to Ligue 1 is striker Alexandre Lacazette. The forward is out of contract at the end of the season and it seems unlikely that the Gunners will offer him a new deal in the near future.
Former club Lyon are reportedly among those keen on making a move for his services this summer. Any exit would bring to an end his five-year spell with the Gunners.
Eddie Nketiah
Whilst Lacazette is not expected to agree to fresh terms in North London, one man who could yet extend his deal is Eddie Nketiah. The Hale End academy graduate enjoyed a bright end to the 2021/22 season, with reports suggesting that he was edging towards a new contract despite rumours that he could move elsewhere.
As it stands, though, he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, so he may yet leave the club on a free transfer later this month.
William Saliba
The young Frenchman enjoyed a standout season on loan with Marseille last term and was expected to be handed a maiden role in the Arsenal first team next term. However, that has not halted rumours of yet another exit from the Emirates.
Newcastle and Leicester have been rumoured to be interested in making a move for the centre-back, whilst Marseille are understandably keen to keep him at the Stade Velodrome.
Hector Bellerin
Another defender who enjoyed a promising temporary spell away from Arsenal last term was Hector Bellerin. He joined Real Betis on a season-long loan, winning the Copa del Rey with the Spanish outfit.
It has been suggested that he could make a permanent switch to the Estadio Benito Vilamarin this summer, with the Gunners currently well-stocked for right-back options.
Lucas Torreira
Having fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates under Arteta, Torreira was allowed to join Serie A outfit Fiorentina. He made a positive impression in Italy during his season-long loan spell.
Like Bellerin, it was suggested that his adoptive employers were keen on securing his services on a permanent deal. It has been reported in Italy that a £12million fee would be enough for Fiorentina to secure his signature this summer.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Whilst Torreira and Bellerin look likely to remain with their loan clubs ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, that may not be the case for Arsenal academy graduate Maitland-Niles. The English utility man joined Italian club Roma on loan but failed to earn a starting XI spot under Mourinho.
It appears likely that he will return to the Emirates ahead of next season, but his place in Arteta’s plans is unclear. It remains to be seen whether he seeks another move away from North London this summer.
Reiss Nelson
Another academy graduate given the opportunity for European experience last term, Nelson actually came up against Maitland-Niles’ Roma in the Europa Conference League final, which the Italian club won in Tirana.
The 22-year-old made 33 appearances in all competitions for Feyenoord last term and enjoyed an extremely productive final few months of the season. That being said, it appears unlikely that he will be handed a place in the Arsenal squad next term, raising questions of where his future lies.
Pablo Mari
The final loanee who could see his Arsenal career draw to a close this summer is Spanish defender Pablo Mari. The centre-back joined Udinese in January and forged a key role for himself in the Italian side’s starting XI.
It has been suggested that they would be keen to retain his services permanently, although negotiations are proving to be a sticking point between the two clubs at the current time.
