Mikel Arteta has successfully altered the fortunes of Arsenal in the past few seasons. While the supporters have expressed some disappointment due to the absence of major trophies during this period, Arsenal has once again emerged as a prominent force in English football. After two consecutive seasons of finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League, the club and its manager remain determined to achieve greater success in the upcoming season.
Arsenal’s transfer activities in recent seasons have yielded positive results, particularly about incoming players. Initially, a significant portion of Arteta’s signings were met with scepticism from the fans. However, players such as Ben White, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhaes have consistently delivered strong performances for their Spanish manager.
Arsenal finds itself in a favourable position, being viewed as a potential contender in every competition it enters. While the need for a more robust and expanded squad is evident, there is also a requirement for strategic adjustments to bolster financial resources. Several prominent players in the first team have either received limited playing time or have underperformed, presenting an opportunity to generate substantial value in the transfer market.
Here are five players from Arsenal who could be on their way out before the summer transfer window closes on August 31.
#5 Thomas Partey
The arrival of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid in 2020 was greeted with excitement. The Ghanaian midfielder fulfilled expectations on numerous occasions, delivering exceptional performances in the holding midfield position. However, recurring injuries prevented Arteta from consistently fielding Partey, leading to a gradual decline in the player’s skill set.
At the age of 31, Partey remains a big name in the football world. Arsenal, however, appears to have shifted its focus away from the player due to the emergence of Declan Rice, who also holds the distinction of being a club-record signing. Rice had an impressive debut season with the Gunners, contributing crucial goals for the team.
Consequently, Partey’s standing within the team has diminished. Having made 40 appearances across all competitions in the 2022/23 season, he featured in only 16 matches during the subsequent season. Arsenal values him at approximately £25 million, and a transfer to the Saudi league could be on the cards for the midfielder.
#4 Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney signed a contract with Arsenal a few months before Arteta arrived in 2019. Following a successful start to his senior career with Celtic, the young Scott was predicted to become the next significant footballer from his country. Over the last five years, he has established himself as a fan favourite due to his consistent work ethic. Despite inconsistent performances, Tierney remained a dependable defender for Arteta throughout the years.
However, like Partey, Tierney has also been plagued by numerous injuries. The left-back, who possesses the versatility to operate as a centre-half, has not been a regular starter for Arsenal since the 2021/22 season. Arteta utilized his services on several occasions; however, the club ultimately made the strategic decision to loan him to Real Sociedad to ensure more playing time.
During his year-long tenure in Spain, Tierney made a positive impression. Unfortunately, two injury spells curtailed what could have been a remarkable period for the player. Although he has temporarily returned to London, Tierney’s status remains “for sale,” with Arsenal anticipating a transfer fee of approximately £10 million. The club are eager to acquire a new left-back, which means they could accelerate the 27-year-old’s sale process.
#3 Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson made a total of 23 appearances during the last season
Reiss Nelson maintains his position as one of Arsenal’s most distinguished youth academy graduates in recent history. Nonetheless, despite possessing remarkable talent and the temperament required to thrive at the highest level of competition, he finds himself surrounded by a group of players with more extensive experience at Arsenal, resulting in limited playing opportunities within the first team.
Over the past several years, the player has consistently expressed his desire for increased playing time, a request that has not been adequately fulfilled. In an attempt to retain his services, the club has engaged in contract negotiations; however, these discussions have encountered multiple impasses. Following Arteta’s appointment, the young English striker had two loan spells at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, making a total of 23 appearances during the last season.
Arsenal is actively seeking more suitable alternatives to its current attacking options in a deputy role and is open to the possibility of a permanent transfer. The 24-year-old has spent 16 years with the London-based club, serving as both an academy player and a member of the first team. However, his tenure at Arsenal may be nearing its conclusion, with Leicester City emerging as a potential destination.
#2 Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe is another product of the Arsenal academy, who initially displayed immense promise. However, a string of subpar performances, along with recurring injuries, have relegated him closer to the exit gates of his boyhood club. At just 23, Smith Rowe could still fetch a big price among Premier League clubs if an agreement can be found.
During the summer of 2021, Rowe was handed the iconic No. 10 jersey and he delivered a series of impressive performances, contributing 11 goals in 37 appearances across various competitions from an attacking midfield position. This led to the perception that he would become a central figure in Arsenal’s attack alongside Bukayo Saka.
Unfortunately, a groin injury sustained during the next season resulted in a decline in Rowe’s standing within the pecking order, with Martin Odegaard emerging as the preferred option. Fulham has expressed interest in acquiring his services for a potential fee of up to £35 million and it is a deal that could materialise before the end of this window.
#1 Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale was replaced by David Raya as the first-choice goalkeeper last season
The signing of Aaron Ramsdale by Arteta was initially met with criticism but ultimately proved to be hugely beneficial for the club. Ramsdale established himself as one of the Premier League’s best ball-playing goalkeepers during his initial months, though he was prone to the occasional errors.
While he performed adequately in his first two seasons, Arteta sought enhanced quality from his primary goalkeeper. Arsenal approached Brentford for a loan deal involving David Raya at the start of last season and the Spanish goalkeeper swiftly replaced Ramsdale as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Ramsdale only made 11 appearances in his third season with the club, seven of which were in the Premier League. The Gunners converted Raya’s loan into a permanent arrangement and acquired Tommy Setford from Ajax, making their intentions regarding Ramsdale evident. However, the club would demand more than £35 million for the English goalkeeper.