Arsenal have provided clarity over the futures of Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles but there's still a lot of work to do before Mikel Arteta finalises his first-team squad for the 2023/24 season.
The latter, who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Southampton, revealed in April that he was set to leave the Gunners upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month and there was official confirmation of his imminent departure - alongside 12 other players across the men's and women's first-team squad as well as the U23s and U18s - on Friday morning.
And in a pre-recorded message, Maitland-Niles bid an emotional farewell as his long association with his boyhood club comes to an end: "Words can’t describe how I’m feeling to be honest, it’s been a very emotional journey," he said. "Having supported the club growing up and coming through the ranks, I can only be happy with what I’ve achieved since I’ve been here.
"I’ve seen a lot of players come and go and played with a lot of fantastic players throughout my time here. Unfortunately, it has to come to an end, but I’ve been happy every single moment I’ve been here to play and work for this club.
"The trophy wins would probably be the best moments for me, obviously some of the domestic seasons weren’t so great but at least I got to win some trophies with the club that I love. The FA Cup final was a fantastic day that will always stick in my mind, and I was happy to be a part of the team that won it.
"There have been some lifetime relationships that I’ve built since I’ve been here. I can only be thankful for the people that have come into my life and helped me since I've been here at the club. I’ll always be here to support the team and the boys and hopefully they can win something in the future. For any supporters out there, just be true to the team. They’ve come a very, very long way this season and it’s been fantastic to watch. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!"
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One notable absentee from Arsenal's release list is Reiss Nelson as his deal is also due to expire at the same time as Maitland-Niles. Although, the club have communicated that a new contract has been offered to the Hale End Academy graduate and that negotiations are ongoing.
Now, football.london understands that talks regarding a new deal for the 24-year-old are in the final stages, with there being a growing confidence that he will follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Ramsdale in committing his future to the club.
Even with Nelson likely to stay, until his new deal is officially signed, he can't be included in the list of senior Arsenal players under contract ahead of the 2023/24 season. But, as things stand, returning loanees such as Nuno Tavares, Folarin Balogun and Cedric Soares can be and they've all been named in the club's retained list, as published by the Premier League.
As are Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari despite the fact that both players are expected to leave permanently this summer. The former is in advanced talks over a £13million move to Bayer Leverkusen, whilst the latter is to join Serie A side Monza for £5.9million following a successful loan spell.
With the international transfer window not opening until July 1, neither player can technically be registered by their respective new clubs until then but there could be an official announcement with regard to both players being on the move in the very near future.
Arsenal first-team players retained for 2023/24
Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, Karl Hein, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Runarsson
Defenders: Kieran Tierney, Benjamin White, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Auston Trusty
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Jorginho, Fabio Vieira, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Nicolas Pepe, Folarin Balogun, Marquinhos
Of course, the above list is expected to change drastically in the coming months. In terms of incomings, football.london understands Arsenal want to sign Declan Rice and have a genuine interest in Kai Havertz. Meanwhile, they continue to be linked with moves for Ilkay Gundogan, Joao Cancelo and plenty others.
Having said that, Kieran Tierney, Alex Runarsson, Arthur Okonkwo, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Marquinhos could all depart one way or another whilst football.london understands Auston Trusty, Nicolas Pepe and Folarin Balogun are to leave permanently this summer.
Have your say on who'd you would keep or sell below!
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