Granit Xhaka is closing in on a transfer exit from Arsenal after a rollercoaster seven-year spell at the Emirates Stadium. Xhaka is in advanced talks to sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a €15million (£13million) deal and sign a contract until 2027 this summer, football.london understands.
However, the Swiss midfielder may not be the only departure from Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of next season. Following Oleksandr Zinchenko's arrival last summer and claiming the starting left-back spot, Kieran Tierney's future at Arsenal looks set to come to an end in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are looking to add new signings in a number of key areas ahead of their return to the Champions League next season. football.london reported in January that Arsenal are prioritising a move for West Ham star Declan Rice, whilst Moises Caicedo, Marc Guehi and Joao Cancelo have all been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
READ MORE: Martin Odegaard set for talks over Arsenal contract as Gunners continue proactive approach
Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David, Ivan Fresneda and Martin Zubimendi are among the other players that could complete a move to Arsenal this summer after Arteta's squad pushed Manchester City all the way in the race for the Premier League title. With that being said, football.london takes a look at the seven players that could join Xhaka in leaving Arsenal this summer.
Granit Xhaka
football.london reported this week that Xhaka is edging closer to a return to Germany after spending seven years in north London. The Switzerland international scored seven goals and grabbed seven assists from 45 appearances in all competitions this season.
Remaining at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer would have seen Xhaka enter the final 12 months of his contract, with the club also holding an option to extend that by another 12 months Arteta is aware of the player's decision to pursue an exit from the club, and Xhaka himself remains focused on the final two games of Arsenal's 2022/23 campaign.
Kieran Tierney
Tierney has dealt with a number of injury concerns during his time with the Gunners which may have been a factor in the club bringing in Zinchenko last summer. The Scotland international has found minutes hard to come by this season and after dropping down the pecking order at left-back, it has alerted Newcastle to his potential availability ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Tierney's contract is not set to expire until 2026 which means Arsenal could still receive a significant fee for the Scottish defender. Nuno Tavares is set to return from his loan spell with Marseille this summer and the Portuguese defender could replace Tierney as second-choice to Zinchenko.
Emile Smith Rowe
The Hale End graduate is one of the most exciting products from the academy in recent years, but has recently found opportunities in the line-up difficult to come by - playing just 147 Premier League minutes all season. Emile Smith Rowe has missed the majority of the 2022/23 campaign after undergoing groin surgery to correct a longstanding injury problem.
Aston Villa have held a long-term interest in the 22-year-old which will only be increased by the presence of Unai Emery in the dugout after working together during the Spaniard's time at Arsenal. His sale would also be recorded as 100 per cent profit on the Gunners' balance sheet as they look to navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements.
Reiss Nelson
Nelson is another homegrown talent that could be moved on this summer. The 23-year-old is out of contract in June and is yet to agree to terms on an extension.
Nelson has previously stated that he would like to sign a new deal, but his future remains uncertain with an agreement yet to be reached. Brighton are among the clubs monitoring his situation at the Emirates Stadium and could potentially secure his signature in a free transfer if he fails to extend his deal.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun has enjoyed a successful loan spell with Stade de Reims in France, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. Arsenal have set a £35million valuation to allow Balogun to leave this summer, according to pianetamilan.it.
The likes of AC Milan are rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services as he looks set to exit the Emirates Stadium with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus ahead of him in the pecking order.
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal’s record £72million signing has failed to ever live up to the billing and appears certain to be moved on ahead of next season. Pepe has failed to show signs of forcing his way into Arteta's plans next term after an underwhelming loan spell with Nice in Ligue 1.
The Gunners are likely to take a huge hit on their investment in the Ivorian winger as they look to get him off the club's growing wage bill.
Cedric Soares
Cedric Soares was signed by Fulham on a temporary basis, but has struggled to become a regular under Marco Silva. Arsenal could have used the Portuguese defender in their squad heading into the season run-in following Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury woes.
Cedric looks set to be sold this summer with Arteta aiming to upgrade his right-back options and sign a capable competitor for Ben White.
Pablo Mari
Mari has already agreed to join Monza in a permanent move from Arsenal at the end of the season after a successful loan spell with the Italian club. The Gunners will make £4.4million from the transfer, which Arteta will likely be able to use in the market.
READ NEXT:
Martin Odegaard set for talks over Arsenal contract as Gunners continue proactive approach
How Man United signing Kim Min-jae can secure Arsenal transfer windfall
Premier League loophole allows Arsenal to accelerate Moises Caicedo transfer and two more deals
Arsenal discover route to avoid nightmare Champions League draw - but Liverpool can change it
Arsenal news and transfer LIVE: All the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium
