Who needs to leave Arsenal this summer?
Who needs to leave Arsenal this summer?
As Mikel Arteta’s rebuild continues, the summer transfer window represents a key opportunity for Arsenal to move their squad to the next level.
While failure to qualify for the Champions League was disappointing, particularly due to its agonising nature, there is a clear consensus that the current squad has some way to go before it can be considered truly of top four quality.
Lots of focus will rightly be about who Arteta brings in this window but equally important will be who moves on as Arsenal seek to mount a proper assault on the Champions League places next term.
Alexandre Lacazette
One player who looks almost certain to leave the Emirates is Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman’s current deal is due to expire this summer, and there is little sign of a new one – something that is probably best for both parties.
Lacazette has been a loyal servant for the Gunners but is not the clinical finisher in front of goal needed for Arsenal to truly challenge for the top four, and his exit will make space for at least one new forward this summer.
Cedric Soares
The Portuguese right-back was never meant to be first choice at the Emirates and stepped up well this season when called upon.
However, Cedric is not a long-term option at right back if Arsenal have Champions League aspirations and the time is probably right for the full back to move on unless he is happy to operate in an understudy role to a new addition.
The 30-year-old would certainly still be of value next term but should be allowed to move on if Mikel Arteta can bring in better options.
Nicolas Pepe
There is no doubt that Nicolas Pepe has the ability to operate at an extremely high level, but he has seldom shown it often enough in red and white.
The Ivorian came with a big billing, and a big price tag, but now finds himself second choice behind Arsenal’s exciting youngsters such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Pepe’s time at the Emirates is probably up, allowing space for more young talent to come through in North London and the 26-year-old to relaunch his career.
Bernd Leno
With Aaron Ramsdale now firmly entrenched as Arsenal’s number one, Bernd Leno will have to move on from the Emirates if he is to get first-team football.
The German is more than good enough to be first choice at a whole host of clubs and is too good to be sat on the bench every week.
The 30-year-old would no doubt have a number of suitors and bring in some vital cash in the form of both a transfer fee and freeing up wages that are better spent elsewhere than on a second-choice goalkeeper.
Hector Bellerin
It is a shame that it has ended up this way for Hector Bellerin.
The 27-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Arsenal but there is no doubt that his time in North London is up.
The right-back has been blighted by injuries and does not seem to be in favour with Arteta, while his tears upon leaving his loan spell at Real Betis indicate that he is much happier in Andalusia than Arsenal.
Bellerin’s departure from the Emirates would be another that would suit both parties, with Arsenal able to bring in a new first choice right back and the Spaniard able to find a new home, perhaps in the form of a return to Betis.
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