Arsenal Football Club, one of the most iconic teams in world football, is currently facing a significant transitional period. With the club striving to remain competitive in both domestic and international competitions, squad management has never been more important. One of the key issues that will shape Arsenal’s future is the status of players whose contracts are due to expire in the summer of 2025. The team, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, currently boasts a squad of 24 players, but by the time the 2024-25 season concludes, this number is expected to be reduced to just 19 players.
As Arsenal looks to continue their upward trajectory, particularly in the Premier League and the Champions League, Arteta will need to make key decisions about who to keep and who to let go. With potential departures looming, the club’s decision-makers are carefully evaluating the contract situations of several players. While the current transfer window has focused on bringing in new talent, such as potential moves for players like Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, the future of some current squad members is still uncertain.
In this piece, we’ll examine the five Arsenal players whose contracts are set to expire in the summer of 2025. This includes three players whose contracts are running down, as well as two loaned players who will likely return to their parent clubs at the end of the season. Understanding the contract statuses of these players will help fans and analysts predict what the club’s future squad might look like. Let’s explore the profiles of these five players and their potential futures at Arsenal.
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Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s most important and dynamic players, is undoubtedly the jewel of Mikel Arteta’s team. The 22-year-old winger has blossomed into a world-class talent, becoming not only a key player for Arsenal but also for the England national team. His dribbling, vision, and ability to score goals have made him a fan favorite and a player that opponents dread facing.
Saka’s current contract with Arsenal is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and while discussions over a contract extension have reportedly been ongoing, no official renewal has been finalized as of now. This has raised concerns among Arsenal supporters about the possibility of losing one of their most valuable assets.
The situation surrounding Saka’s contract is particularly significant because he is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football. If Arsenal fails to secure an extension before the summer of 2025, they risk losing him either on a free transfer or selling him for a reduced fee before his contract expires. Given his importance to the team, Arteta will undoubtedly be keen to tie down Saka to a long-term deal, ensuring that he remains a key part of the club’s future.
There have been rumors linking Saka to other top European clubs, including Premier League giants like Manchester City and Liverpool, but Saka has repeatedly expressed his love for Arsenal and his desire to stay at the club for the long term. Nevertheless, the club must act quickly to ensure that a new contract is agreed upon before the situation becomes more complicated.
Another key player whose contract is set to expire in 2025 is Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli. Like Saka, Martinelli has been a revelation since joining Arsenal in 2019. His relentless work ethic, pace, and flair have made him an integral part of Arteta’s attacking setup. Martinelli’s ability to play across the front line, coupled with his impressive technical ability, has earned him widespread praise.
Martinelli’s current contract also runs out in the summer of 2025, and although the club is keen to keep him, no official announcements have been made regarding an extension. Given his age (he is currently 23), Martinelli’s potential is still enormous, and he has the ability to develop into one of the best wingers in the world. Arsenal’s hierarchy will be acutely aware of the need to secure his future at the club, especially as the transfer market continues to heat up.
Much like Saka, Martinelli has been linked to top clubs across Europe, with reports suggesting that several teams are keeping an eye on his contract situation. However, Arsenal remains confident in their ability to tie down their young star. It is likely that Arteta will prioritize extending Martinelli’s contract to ensure that he remains a central figure in the team for many years to come.
Declan Rice, one of the most significant signings in recent Arsenal history, joined the club in the summer of 2024 for a record fee. The England international midfielder has quickly become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s midfield, bringing leadership, defensive solidity, and technical ability to the team.
Rice’s contract is also set to expire in the summer of 2025, and while this may seem like a long way off, the club will be keen to secure his services for the long term. The 25-year-old has been a key player in Arsenal’s system, and his ability to dominate the midfield and provide a shield for the defense has been invaluable.
There have been no public discussions about an extension as of now, but given Rice’s importance to the team, it is almost certain that Arsenal will move swiftly to tie him down to a new deal. The Gunners will need to fend off interest from other top clubs, particularly those in the Premier League, who may be eager to sign one of the league’s best midfielders.
Kieran Tierney’s situation at Arsenal is slightly different from the previous three players, as he is currently out on loan. The Scottish left-back, who has been a stalwart of the Arsenal defense for several seasons, joined Premier League rivals Newcastle United on loan for the 2024-25 season. His time at Arsenal has been marked by injuries and stiff competition for the left-back spot, especially with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s arrival at the club.
Tierney’s loan deal has raised questions about his long-term future at the club. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Arsenal, his struggles with injury and inconsistent form have led to him being displaced in the starting lineup. His future at the club will depend on how he performs during his loan spell and whether Arteta sees him as part of his long-term plans.
Tierney’s loan agreement is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and while there is no definitive decision on whether he will return to the club or be sold permanently, Arsenal will likely assess his performances at Newcastle before making any final decisions. If Tierney impresses, there may be an opportunity for him to return and fight for his place in the squad, but if he struggles to regain his form, Arsenal may choose to sell him to free up space for new signings.
Folarin Balogun, like Kieran Tierney, is currently on loan away from Arsenal. The young American forward has been sent to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco for the 2024-25 season, where he is expected to gain valuable first-team experience. Balogun has shown great promise in his limited appearances for Arsenal, but with competition from the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, it became clear that he needed more game time to develop further.
Balogun’s loan spell is set to run until the summer of 2025, and after that, his future at Arsenal will be determined by his performances in France. If he impresses at Monaco, Arsenal may choose to reintegrate him into the squad, but if he fails to live up to expectations, the club may decide to sell him permanently. Balogun’s future at Arsenal is uncertain, but he has the potential to play an important role in the club’s attacking plans if he can prove himself
As the summer of 2025 approaches, Arsenal will be faced with some important decisions regarding the future of several key players. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, Kieran Tierney, and Folarin Balogun all have contracts that will need to be addressed, and their futures will have a significant impact on the direction in which the club heads.
Arsenal’s ability to retain their young stars like Saka and Martinelli will be crucial in their quest to remain competitive at the highest level. At the same time, the club will need to make strategic decisions about players like Tierney and Balogun, whose futures are less certain. Arteta will be keen to build a squad that can challenge for both domestic and European honors, and securing the future of these players will be a key part of that plan.
The coming months will be critical in shaping the future of Arsenal, as they aim to secure the long-term services of their best players while also assessing the potential for new additions to the squad. The summer of 2025 promises to be an exciting time for Arsenal fans, with plenty of decisions to be made as the club looks to continue its upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta’s leadership.
