Six Arsenal players confirmed for permanent exits and seven on edge as Mikel Arteta clears decks

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing for a significant squad overhaul in the coming months with several players facing uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium. While the club may explore potential signings in the January transfer window particularly in the forward line following injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus the summer transfer window is expected to be a period of significant change.
Arsenal currently occupies second place in the Premier League a position they have held for the past two seasons. However the gap to league leaders Liverpool remains a significant challenge. Although they remain in the title race the FA Cup exit and the 2-0 deficit in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United have highlighted the need for further improvement across the squad. To compete on all fronts and challenge for major honors Arteta recognizes the need for a squad capable of sustained excellence.
This necessitates a thorough evaluation and potential restructuring of the current roster. Confirmed Departures Jorginho and Thomas Partey both midfielders are out of contract at the end of the season and will leave the club as free agents. Nuno Tavares the Portuguese left-back currently on loan at Lazio will officially join the Italian club upon the completion of his loan spell. Kieran Tierney the Scottish full-back despite a recent return to the first team faces an uncertain future. With his contract expiring in the summer and limited playing time under Arteta a departure either in January or at the end of the season seems likely.
Neto the Brazilian goalkeeper on loan from Bournemouth is unlikely to feature for Arsenal and will return to his parent club. Raheem Sterling the English winger signed from Chelsea last summer has struggled to consistently impress under Arteta. His loan spell is set to expire and a permanent return to Chelsea is expected. Players on the Edge Oleksandr Zinchenko while a valuable squad player Zinchenko’s consistent injury issues and the emergence of other options at left-back could see him become a transfer target for other clubs.
Takehiro Tomiyasu the Japanese defender has faced injury struggles and has not always been a guaranteed starter under Arteta. His versatility could make him an attractive option for other clubs. Albert Sambi Lokonga the young midfielder has struggled to establish himself in Arteta’s plans and has spent this season on loan at Crystal Palace. A permanent move away from the Emirates seems increasingly likely. Reiss Nelson Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira all three players have been out on loan this season with varying degrees of success. Their long-term futures at Arsenal remain uncertain and they could be sold to generate funds for new signings. Reshaping the Squad Arteta’s vision for Arsenal involves a high-pressing possession-based style of play.
To effectively implement this system he requires a squad of players who possess the technical ability tactical awareness and physical attributes to excel in his system. The potential departures create an opportunity for Arteta to reshape his squad bringing in players who better fit his tactical philosophy. This could involve significant investment in key areas such as a new striker to replace Gabriel Jesus a defensive midfielder to provide greater depth and competition and potentially a right-back to provide competition for Ben White. Impact of Departures The departures of key players will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the squad dynamics and team balance. Arteta will need to carefully assess the needs of the team and identify suitable replacements. The departures of Jorginho and Partey in particular will necessitate a significant overhaul in the midfield.
The club will need to identify and recruit players who can provide the necessary defensive stability creativity and energy in the middle of the park. Furthermore the potential departures of players like Zinchenko and Tomiyasu could leave gaps in the defensive line. Arteta will need to ensure that the squad has sufficient depth and quality in these positions to cope with the demands of a challenging season. The Road Ahead The coming months will be crucial for Arsenal as they navigate the transfer market and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. Arteta and the club’s hierarchy will need to make decisive decisions regarding player recruitment and squad restructuring. The success of these decisions will ultimately determine whether Arsenal can finally close the gap to the league leaders and challenge for major honors in the years to come.