Arsenal: 17 players on loan or with 2023 contract expiry

Just reading the above is enough to make the toes tingle. Everyone is aware that Arsenal have an unbelievable amount of work to do in this summer transfer window but when put into figures it really hammers home the importance.

What was it Raul Sanllehi once said?

"“We need to make sure we are really disciplined,” the Don uttered. “A good example of that is senior players that aren’t towards the end of their careers. We need to make sure that those players, when they’ve got two years left on their contract, we’re making the difficult decisions. “We’re either renewing those players’ contracts, or we’re selling those players. So we’re going to have to be brave with those decisions along the way.”"

Arsenal: 17 players on loan or with 2023 contract expiry that Mikel Arteta and co need to solve in summer transfer window

Yeah, about that… Arsenal kick off their summer with 17 players* either out on loan or with contracts running out in 2023. This is very serious.

*Emile Smith Rowe not considered as new contract is imminent

Therefore it is no surprise to see Richard Garlick employed to take over the vacant director of football operations role, one left by Huss Fahmy’s departure. With roles at both West Brom and the Premier League on his CV, he arrives in north London with arguably the largest amount of work he’s had to deal with to date.

It won’t be a case of Edu and Mikel Arteta handing over the reins to Garlick to make decisions on all 17 players all on his lonesome. Of course not, but his role in negotiating contracts will play a huge part in the futures of these squad members.

Equally, with the technical director working with Arteta to sound out targets, Garlick will act as the experienced head to come in and help close those deals. His desk will have been stacked high before he even had chance to find a place for his Japanese peace lily.

Internally a number of decisions will have already been made on certain players’ futuresmar, those decided by Arteta and co over the course of the season in which he’s seen a string of underwhelming performances.

With a mountain to do, the following list makes for tough viewing. Most supporters will be happy to cut ties with the vast majority, an idea that is easier said than done.

Starting with those on loan, and deciding whether Arsenal should keep or sell:

William Saliba

All the talk points to William Saliba returning to Arsenal in the summer with the chance to impress Arteta in pre-season. He will get his opportunity to stake a claim for a starting berth, or just a squad place at the least, even if the manager has shown little adoration for the Frenchman thus far.

Two full years since he arrived in north London he has not played a single senior minute, with the closest he came coming way back at the start of the season when he sat on the bench in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Leicester.

Is he Premier League ready? Only time will tell but the club don’t seem to think so with another right centre-back being eyed up this window.

£27m and 24 months later, it’s time to start trusting the talent.

Verdict: Keep