The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a pivotal moment for the club. Having missed out on the Premier League title once again to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy will be busy planning for a potential squad overhaul, with several high-profile players tipped to depart the Emirates Stadium. Who are the most likely departures?
Aaron Ramsdale: A Bittersweet Farewell?
One of the more high-profile names expected to leave Arsenal this summer is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. The former Sheffield United shot-stopper, who joined the club in 2021, has experienced a rapid decline in his fortunes, finding himself relegated to a backup role behind the impressive David Raya. Despite his passionate displays and evident potential, Ramsdale’s inability to consistently perform at the level required by Arteta has left the Gunners hierarchy with little choice but to consider cashing in on the 25-year-old. With the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United reportedly interested, a move away from North London could provide Ramsdale with the opportunity to secure regular first-team football and reignite his career.
The Rise and Fall of Ramsdale
Ramsdale’s journey at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster ride, with the goalkeeper initially impressing upon his arrival. His shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box earned him the trust of Arteta and the adoration of the Arsenal faithful. However, as the season progressed, Ramsdale’s performances began to wane, and the emergence of Raya as a more reliable and technically proficient option between the sticks has ultimately sealed the former’s fate.
Funding Raya’s Permanent Move
The potential departure of Ramsdale could have a significant impact on Arsenal’s transfer plans, as the club looks to secure Raya’s permanent signature from Brentford. The Spaniard’s impressive performances this season have convinced the Gunners’ hierarchy that he is the long-term solution in goal, and the funds generated from Ramsdale’s sale could be crucial in facilitating Raya’s move to the Emirates.
Kieran Tierney: Injury Woes and Tactical Misfit
Another player whose future at Arsenal appears uncertain is Kieran Tierney. The Scottish international, who joined the club in 2019, has struggled with a series of injury setbacks, limiting his availability and impact on the team. Moreover, Tierney’s difficulties in adapting to the more inverted role Arteta has implemented have further complicated his position within the squad.
Struggles with Fitness and Tactical Adjustments
Tierney’s injury record has been a significant concern for Arsenal, with the left-back repeatedly finding himself on the sidelines throughout his time at the club. This lack of consistency has made it challenging for the Gunners to rely on him as a consistent starter, and the emergence of players like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber has further diminished Tierney’s importance in Arteta’s plans.
Potential Suitors and a Fresh Start
Despite his injury woes and tactical struggles, Tierney’s talent and experience are likely to attract interest from other Premier League clubs. Rumours suggest that West Ham United and Newcastle United are monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation, and a move away from the Emirates could provide Tierney with the opportunity to reignite his career and find a more suitable environment to showcase his abilities.
Nuno Tavares: A Failed Experiment
The case of Nuno Tavares is another example of a player who has failed to live up to the hype at Arsenal. The Portuguese left-back, signed from Benfica in 2021, has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, with his inconsistent performances and occasional rash moments leading to his loan spell at Marseille this season.
Inconsistency and Lack of Progression
Tavares’ potential was evident to many European scouts prior to his move to Arsenal, but the physicality and pressure of the English top-flight have proven too much for the 23-year-old. His erratic displays, coupled with the presence of more reliable options like Tierney, have made him a surplus to Arteta’s requirements, and a permanent departure appears to be on the cards.
Potential Destinations and Recouping Funds
With Tavares unlikely to feature in Arteta’s long-term plans, the Gunners will be keen to offload the defender and recoup as much of the £8 million they paid for him as possible. Ligue 1 clubs, including Tavares’ current loan side Marseille, have been linked with a move for the player, and a sale could provide Arsenal with valuable funds to reinvest in their squad.
Emile Smith Rowe: Fitness Concerns and Diminishing Role
The case of Emile Smith Rowe is a bittersweet one for Arsenal supporters. The academy graduate had previously been hailed as one of the Gunners’ brightest prospects, but his struggles with fitness and the emergence of other attacking talents have led to a diminished role within the squad.
Injury Woes and Rising Competition
Smith Rowe’s potential has never been in doubt, but his persistent injury problems have hindered his development and prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent starter for Arsenal. The arrival of players like Leandro Trossard, who have impressed in similar positions, has further complicated Smith Rowe’s path to regular first-team football.
Potential Suitors and a Fresh Start
Despite his injury history, Smith Rowe’s talent is still recognized by several Premier League clubs. Rumours suggest that Crystal Palace, among others, could be interested in the 23-year-old, providing him with the opportunity to reignite his career elsewhere. A move away from the Emirates could be the best course of action for both the player and the club, allowing Smith Rowe to find the consistent playing time he needs to fulfill his potential.
Eddie Nketiah: Surplus to Requirements
The departure of Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal also appears to be on the cards, with the striker struggling to cement his place in Arteta’s starting lineup. Despite the manager’s previous backing, Nketiah’s inability to consistently perform at the highest level has made him a peripheral figure in the squad.
Lack of Progression and Gabriel Jesus’ Arrival
Nketiah’s time at Arsenal has been marked by flashes of promise, but the 23-year-old has failed to take the next step in his development. The arrival of Gabriel Jesus, who has become the Gunners’ first-choice striker, has further pushed Nketiah down the pecking order, and a move away from the club could be the best option for the player to secure regular playing time.
Potential Suitors and Recouping Value
Several Premier League clubs, including the likes of West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Everton, Brentford, and Bournemouth, have been linked with a move for Nketiah. With the striker’s contract set to expire in 2024, Arsenal will be keen to cash in on the player this summer, potentially generating a fee in the region of £20-30 million.
Albert Sambi Lokonga: Struggling to Adapt
Another player whose future at Arsenal is uncertain is midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian, who joined the club in 2021, has struggled to make an impact at the Emirates, with his loan spell at Luton Town this season providing a glimmer of hope for his development.
Failure to Impress and Arteta’s Ambitious Plans
Lokonga’s inability to establish himself as a consistent presence in Arsenal’s midfield has raised doubts about his long-term viability within the squad. With Arteta’s ambitions to continue strengthening the team, the 23-year-old’s lack of progression has made him a potential casualty in the upcoming transfer window.
Potential Suitors and Recouping Investment
Despite his struggles, Lokonga’s potential has not gone unnoticed, and the player could attract interest from clubs looking to provide him with a fresh start. Everton, who are in need of midfield reinforcements, have been mentioned as a potential destination, while Luton Town may also be interested in securing Lokonga’s services on a permanent basis.
Cedric Soares, Mohamed Elneny, and the Exodus of Fringe Players
Alongside the more high-profile departures, Arsenal are also expected to part ways with a number of fringe players, including Cedric Soares, Mohamed Elneny, and several youth prospects. These individuals have struggled to make a significant impact at the Emirates and are likely to be moved on to free up space and resources for the club’s future plans.
Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny: Surplus to Requirements
Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny have both been on the periphery of the Arsenal squad for some time, with the former struggling to establish himself as a regular starter and the latter failing to cement his place in the midfield. With their contracts set to expire, the Gunners will be keen to offload these players and recoup any potential transfer fees.
Youth Prospects Seeking Opportunities Elsewhere
Additionally, Arsenal are expected to part ways with several young players, including the likes of Arthur Okonkwo and Karl Hein, who are out of contract at the end of the season. These prospects, unable to break into the first-team, will be seeking opportunities elsewhere to further their development and showcase their talents.
Reshaping the Arsenal Squad for the Future
The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a pivotal moment for Arsenal as they look to reshape their squad and continue their push for Premier League and European glory. The departure of several key players, including the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Tierney, and Emile Smith Rowe, will undoubtedly leave a significant void in the team, but it also presents an opportunity for the Gunners to reinvest and strengthen their squad further.
The funds generated from these sales, coupled with the potential departure of fringe players, could provide Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy with the necessary resources to bring in new talent and address the areas of the squad that require reinforcement. As the Gunners aim to close the gap on their title rivals, this summer’s transfer activity will be crucial in determining the club’s long-term trajectory and their ability to challenge for the highest honours in the years to come.
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