Mikel Arteta has expressed his readiness to part ways with 12 players from his squad this summer as he aims to initiate a major overhaul in preparation for another potential title challenge at Arsenal.
In an effort to bolster their chances of mounting a serious title challenge in the upcoming season, Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal Football Club, is reportedly planning a major squad overhaul. The North London outfit narrowly missed out on clinching the Premier League crown last term, and Arteta is determined to address the issue of squad depth that plagued the Gunners throughout their campaign, particularly in the absence of the talented William Saliba.
Arteta’s vision for the summer transfer window extends beyond rectifying the squad’s depth concerns. The Spanish tactician is also keen on bringing in marquee signings who can make an immediate impact on the team.
One player who features prominently on Arteta’s wish list is West Ham United’s Declan Rice. However, Rice is not the only high-caliber player expected to grace the Emirates Stadium in the coming months.
According to reports from Football Insider , Arsenal is poised to offload as many as 12 players in order to generate necessary funds for reinvesting in the squad. This approach underscores the club’s commitment to strengthening its ranks for the challenges ahead.
Five players who donned the Gunners’ jersey during the 2022-23 season are believed to be available for transfer negotiations. Additionally, seven players who spent the previous campaign on loan are also set to be made available for transfer.
Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari are reportedly close to securing moves to Bayer Leverkusen and Monza, respectively. Meanwhile, Rob Holding, Emile Smith Rowe, and Charlie Patino could follow suit, as their involvement in the previous season was limited.
Other notable names who are likely to be shown the exit door include Folarin Balogun, Nuno Tavares, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Cedric Soares.
Arsenal’s proactive approach to squad restructuring highlights Arteta’s determination to assemble a formidable team capable of challenging for domestic honors in the upcoming season.