Arsenal and Man United players feature in the ultimate Premier League free agent XI

As Arsenal prepare to face Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium this Sunday in their final Premier League fixture of the 2024/25 season, the atmosphere around the club carries a bittersweet undertone. While the Gunners have secured second place in the league table, making this match feel somewhat like a dead rubber in competitive terms, it represents something far more significant for several members of Mikel Arteta’s squad. For at least eight players, this could mark their final appearance in the famous red and white shirt, bringing an end to chapters that have ranged from triumphant to turbulent in north London.

The summer transfer window often brings significant changes to Premier League clubs, but Arsenal appears poised for a particularly substantial reshuffling of their squad. A combination of expiring contracts, loan deals coming to an end, and strategic decisions by the club’s hierarchy means that Sunday’s encounter with Southampton could serve as a farewell stage for nearly a quarter of the current first-team squad.

Perhaps no potential departure carries more emotional weight than that of Kieran Tierney. The Scottish left-back has become synonymous with passion, commitment, and the Arsenal way since his arrival from Celtic in the summer of 2019 for a fee worth approximately £25 million. His journey at the Emirates Stadium has been one of peaks and valleys, characterized by brilliant performances punctuated by frustrating injury setbacks that have prevented him from reaching his full potential in an Arsenal shirt.

Tierney’s impact extends far beyond mere statistics. The 27-year-old has embodied the fighting spirit that Arsenal fans crave, wearing his heart on his sleeve and giving everything for the badge. His attacking prowess from the left-back position, combined with his defensive solidity and set-piece delivery, made him an instant hit with supporters who had grown accustomed to inconsistency in that position.

However, the past few seasons have been challenging for the former Celtic captain. Persistent injury problems have limited his availability, restricting him to just 19 appearances across all competitions this season, with the majority of those coming from the bench. The emergence of other options in his position, coupled with Arsenal’s tactical evolution under Arteta, has seen his role diminish significantly.

The writing appeared on the wall earlier this year when Celtic confirmed in their financial report that they had entered into a pre-contract agreement to bring Tierney back to Glasgow in July 2025. “During the January 2025 transfer window, we acquired the permanent registration of Jota and the temporary registration of Jeffrey Schlupp,” the report stated. “In addition, we extended the contract of Kasper Schmeichel and entered into a pre-contract agreement that will see Kieran Tierney return to Celtic in July 2025.”

For Tierney, this represents a homecoming to the club where he first made his name. Celtic Park holds special memories for the defender, and the prospect of playing under Brendan Rodgers again, the manager who gave him his breakthrough, undoubtedly appeals to him. Arsenal fans, while understanding the decision, will be sad to see a player who truly “got” the club culture leave Emirates Stadium.

Should Arteta decide to give Tierney a proper send-off against Southampton, it would provide closure for both player and supporters. The Scotsman deserves the opportunity to take his final bow at a club where he has given his all, even if injuries prevented him from reaching the heights everyone hoped for when he first arrived

Another player whose Arsenal career appears to be reaching its conclusion is Jorginho. The Italian midfielder’s journey to north London was unconventional, arriving from Chelsea in January 2023 as Arteta sought to add experience and composure to his midfield options. At 33 years old, Jorginho brought with him a wealth of experience from his time at Napoli, Chelsea, and with the Italian national team, including victory at Euro 2020.

The midfielder’s technical ability and game management skills proved valuable during his time at Arsenal, offering a different dimension to the team’s play. His passing range and ability to control the tempo of matches provided Arteta with tactical flexibility, particularly in games where Arsenal needed to manage leads or break down stubborn defensive setups.

However, like Tierney, Jorginho’s contract situation has cast doubt over his future. With his deal set to expire at the end of next month, the Italian appears to have already made his decision about his next destination. Reports suggest he has agreed to join Brazilian giants Flamengo, marking a dramatic shift in his career as he prepares to experience South American football for the first time.

The potential move to Flamengo is not just about a change of scenery for Jorginho. The timing is particularly significant as it would allow him to participate in the Club World Cup, with Flamengo’s first match against ES Tunis scheduled for June 17. This presents a logistical challenge, as Flamengo are reportedly in discussions with Arsenal about the possibility of releasing the midfielder from his contract early to facilitate his participation in the tournament.

Speaking through his agent Joao Santos earlier this season, Jorginho had kept his options open regarding his future. “Jorginho has returned to London. From April 15, I will begin talks in England, including Arsenal, as well as teams from Italy, Saudi Arabia and Brazil,” Santos revealed, indicating that the midfielder was exploring various possibilities before settling on the Flamengo option.

The Brazilian move represents an intriguing chapter for a player who has competed at the highest level of European football throughout his career. For Arsenal, losing Jorginho’s experience and leadership qualities will require careful planning in the transfer market to ensure adequate depth in midfield.

Thomas Partey’s situation at Arsenal exemplifies the complex nature of modern football transfers and contract negotiations. The Ghanaian midfielder arrived at Emirates Stadium in October 2020 with enormous expectations, having established himself as one of Europe’s premier defensive midfielders during his time at Atletico Madrid. Arsenal paid his £45 million release clause, viewing him as the final piece of their midfield puzzle.

Partey’s Arsenal career has been a study in contrasts. When fit and firing, he has shown exactly why the club was willing to invest so heavily in his services. His combination of physicality, technical ability, and tactical intelligence has made him a crucial player in many of Arsenal’s biggest victories. His performances in high-pressure matches have demonstrated his quality and experience at the highest level.

However, consistency has been the Achilles’ heel of Partey’s time in north London. Injury problems have prevented him from maintaining the kind of sustained excellence that his talent suggests he should deliver. These fitness issues have not only limited his availability but have also affected his rhythm and sharpness when he has been able to play.

As his contract situation becomes increasingly uncertain, with his current deal having limited time remaining, speculation about his future has intensified. The midfielder is at an age where this summer could represent his last opportunity to secure a significant contract, whether at Arsenal or elsewhere. His experience and proven ability mean he would not be short of suitors should he decide to leave Emirates Stadium.

For Arsenal, the decision regarding Partey represents a significant strategic consideration. His talent is undeniable, but his injury record raises questions about reliability. The club must weigh the benefits of retaining an experienced, high-quality player against the risks associated with his fitness concerns and the financial implications of offering him a new contract.

Raheem Sterling’s presence at Arsenal this season has been one of the more surprising developments in recent transfer windows. The English winger’s loan move from Chelsea represented a significant gamble for both player and club, as Sterling sought to revitalize his career after falling out of favor at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling’s pedigree was never in question. His achievements with Manchester City, including multiple Premier League titles and his consistent performances for England, established him as one of the most effective wingers of his generation. His pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability from wide positions made him an attractive option for Arteta, who was looking to add depth and quality to his attacking options.

The loan arrangement provided Sterling with the opportunity to prove himself at another top-level club while giving Arsenal access to a proven Premier League performer without the long-term financial commitment of a permanent transfer. However, the reality of his time at Emirates Stadium has been mixed, with the winger struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter in Arteta’s system.

Competition for places in Arsenal’s attack has been fierce, with established players and emerging talents limiting Sterling’s opportunities to make a significant impact. His age and the temporary nature of his arrangement mean that Sunday’s match could well be his final appearance for the club, with both parties likely to assess their options during the summer.

For Sterling, the priority will be finding a club where he can play regularly and rediscover the form that made him one of England’s most dangerous attacking players. For Arsenal, the loan experiment will provide valuable insights into whether pursuing a permanent deal would be worthwhile or if they should look elsewhere to strengthen their attacking options.

Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation has been a source of considerable discussion throughout the season, with competition for the number one spot remaining fierce. Neto, the Brazilian goalkeeper who joined the club, finds himself in a precarious position as the summer approaches, with his future at Emirates Stadium far from certain.

The goalkeeper’s situation reflects the challenging dynamics of modern football, where even talented players can find themselves surplus to requirements due to tactical decisions or the emergence of preferred alternatives. Neto’s experience and ability are not in question, but the hierarchy established by Arteta appears to favor other options.

For a goalkeeper, regular playing time is crucial for maintaining sharpness and confidence. Extended periods on the bench can be particularly damaging for players in this position, making it understandable that Neto might seek opportunities elsewhere where he can compete for the number one spot.

Arsenal’s goalkeeping department has seen significant changes in recent years, with the club continuously seeking the right balance between experience and potential. Neto’s departure would represent another chapter in this ongoing evolution, requiring the club to assess their options carefully to ensure adequate depth and quality in this crucial position.

Jakub Kiwior’s time at Arsenal has been characterized by flashes of promise mixed with periods of uncertainty about his role in the team. The Polish defender arrived with a reputation as a versatile player capable of operating in multiple positions across the backline, a quality that appealed to Arteta’s tactical flexibility.

However, breaking into Arsenal’s established defensive setup has proven challenging for Kiwior. The competition for places in central defense and left-back positions has been intense, limiting his opportunities to establish himself as a regular starter. His performances when given chances have shown glimpses of his potential, but consistency and adaptation to the Premier League’s demands have been ongoing challenges.

The defender’s situation exemplifies the difficulties faced by players who arrive at top clubs with high expectations but struggle to find their niche within the existing system. His versatility, while initially seen as an asset, may have worked against him in some ways, as he has not been able to establish himself as the definitive option in any specific position.

As the summer approaches, Kiwior faces important decisions about his career trajectory. At his age, regular playing time is crucial for his development, and he may need to consider whether remaining at Arsenal provides the best opportunity for growth or if a move elsewhere would be more beneficial.

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s situation at Arsenal represents one of the more complex cases among the potential departures. The Ukrainian international arrived from Manchester City with considerable fanfare, bringing with him experience of winning at the highest level and the tactical intelligence that made him valuable under Pep Guardiola.

Zinchenko’s versatility, being capable of playing both as a left-back and in midfield, initially seemed like the perfect fit for Arteta’s tactical system. His technical ability and understanding of possession-based football aligned well with Arsenal’s playing philosophy, and early signs suggested he would become a key player in the team’s evolution.

However, his time at Emirates Stadium has been marked by inconsistency and questions about his best position within the team structure. While his quality is undeniable, finding the right role for him within Arsenal’s system has proven more challenging than initially anticipated.

The ongoing conflict in his homeland adds an emotional dimension to Zinchenko’s situation that transcends football. His commitment to raising awareness about Ukraine’s plight and supporting his country during difficult times has been admirable, but it has also added extra pressure and responsibility to his life beyond football

As Arsenal consider their squad composition for the coming season, Zinchenko’s future remains uncertain. His experience and quality suggest he should have a significant role to play, but the tactical evolution of the team and the emergence of other options may influence decision-making regarding his long-term future at the club

Leandro Trossard’s situation at Arsenal has been one of gradual change throughout the season. The Belgian winger, who made a positive impression following his arrival from Brighton, has found himself facing increased competition for places in Arsenal’s attacking lineup, raising questions about his long-term future at the club.

Trossard’s technical ability and versatility across multiple attacking positions initially made him a valuable asset for Arteta. His understanding of the Premier League, developed during his successful spell at Brighton, meant he required minimal adaptation time and could contribute immediately to Arsenal’s objectives.

However, the evolution of Arsenal’s attacking options and the emergence of other players have gradually reduced Trossard’s prominence within the team. While his quality remains evident when given opportunities, the competition for places in advanced positions has intensified significantly.

The Belgian international faces a career crossroads as he considers his options for the future. At his age, regular playing time is crucial for maintaining his level and continuing his development as a player. If opportunities at Arsenal become increasingly limited, seeking a move elsewhere might represent the most logical career decision.

The potential departure of eight players from Arsenal’s squad represents more than just individual career decisions; it reflects the ongoing evolution of the club under Mikel Arteta’s leadership. The Spanish manager has consistently demonstrated his willingness to make difficult decisions in pursuit of his long-term vision for the team.

These potential changes will require careful planning and execution in the transfer market. Arsenal will need to balance the loss of experience and depth with the introduction of new players who fit their tactical system and cultural requirements. The club’s recent transfer strategy suggests they are prepared for such transitions, having successfully integrated new players while maintaining competitive standards.

The financial implications of these departures will also be significant. Freeing up wages from departing players will provide Arsenal with additional resources to pursue their priority targets in the transfer market. However, replacing quality and experience is never straightforward, requiring shrewd recruitment decisions.

For the players potentially leaving, Sunday’s match against Southampton represents an opportunity to end their Arsenal careers on a positive note. While some departures may be tinged with disappointment about unfulfilled potential, others represent natural progressions in careers and the pursuit of new challenges.

The emotional aspect of these potential farewells should not be underestimated. Players like Tierney have formed strong connections with the Arsenal fanbase, and their departures will be felt keenly by supporters who have invested emotionally in their journeys. The club will need to manage these transitions sensitively while maintaining focus on future objectives.

As Arsenal prepare for what could be a significant summer of change, Sunday’s match against Southampton takes on added significance beyond its competitive value. It represents the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the club’s ongoing evolution under Arteta’s guidance. The decisions made regarding these eight players will shape the squad composition for the coming season and influence Arsenal’s ability to compete at the highest level.

The challenge for Arsenal will be ensuring that any departures are matched by arrivals who can maintain or improve the team’s overall quality and depth. With careful planning and smart recruitment, the potential exodus could ultimately strengthen the squad by creating opportunities for strategic improvements in key positions.

Only time will tell which of these eight players will indeed be saying goodbye on Sunday, but their potential departures underscore the dynamic nature of modern football and the constant evolution required to remain competitive at the highest level.