Arsenal defensive trio could all leave in summer transfer window

Mikel Arteta has moments with his Arsenal players. For a few weeks it seems like certain individuals are his star pupils and will feature every fixture, then the next three of four games come around and they’re nowhere to be seen.

Teaching them a lesson, being too Claudio Ranieri-esque or part of his non-negotiables?

Cedric Soares is the latest victim of his iron fist ruling having not stepped foot on the turf since the first leg against Slavia Prague saw him foolishly gift the Czech side a corner that they scored from in the latter stages.

He’s not the first to feel this wrath, one that has presented Calum Chambers and Hector Bellerin with a two-man battle to be starting matches. Neither did in the 1-0 win over Chelsea. Nor did Cedric.

Arsenal defensive trio could all leave in summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta eyes right-back overhaul

Indeed, Arteta opted for three right-backs on the bench with Bukayo Saka asked to play the right wing-back slot, one he has dabbled with before but is far from his most comfortable position.

The incoming overhaul will feature the additions of two full-backs, one for either side. Kieran Tierney needs cover and with Hector Bellerin due to leave another will enter the fray.

As per The Telegraph, it could be more than that. In fact, all three of them could depart this summer.

This telling omission of all three is not uncommon, as players like Willian have also gone from being regular starters to mere rotation options, and signals that indicate Arteta is finally coming to grips with the lack of quality across his squad.

As stated, shifting Cedric won’t be easy. At his age and with the wages he’s on, finding a buyer in the current market to match the player’s and respective clubs’ desires is easier said than done. However, he is way down the pecking order (at either full-back position) and open for sale.

Chambers has impressed since his return from injury but with just one year left on his deal, a decision needs to be made. His homegrown status is a benefit, as is his versatility, but there is Premier League interest in him and a bid could tempt the Gunners’ hands.

Bellerin is certain to leave and £25m is the ideal figure, although Arsenal will accept less.

Max Aarons and Emerson Royal have been mooted heading into the summer, the former almost a necessity if Chambers and Bellerin depart given the growing demands of meeting a homegrown quota.

Chambers, while not perfect, should be kept on. The aforementioned traits are vital and even if he isn’t seen as a commanding voice in the changing room, with a mass senior exodus to come the need for an ‘Arsenal’ voice becomes more pertinent.

That would mean he leaves on a free next summer, thus if he can be convinced to pen a new two-year deal then his value is protected. At only 26, it would make sense even if he shouldn’t be starting every week. Cedric on the other hand, will be near impossible to shift.