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

Konstantinos Mavropanos

Among all the mistakes that have been made at Arsenal for longer than we all care to admit, unsuccessful loan departures are up there. Last season saw a change to that narrative, with Konstantinos Mavropanos one of those who excelled while away from the club with Stuttgart.

The Greek defender signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal two seasons ago and now has two years left to run, which makes for ideal selling time after a fruitful Bundesliga campaign.

There is interest from him in Stuttgart, who want another loan with obligation to buy, although Kicker report that Lazio have entered the frame and will be happy to make a purchase this summer, which naturally suits Arsenal more than another 12 months away.

Verdict: Sell

Lucas Torreira

There isn’t much debate on this one. There is no fit for Torreira at Arsenal with Arteta making it clear soon into his reign that the midfielder doesn’t feature in his plans.

There is no doubting that the Uruguayan is a talented player, as witnessed during his early months in north London, yet his failed loan to Atletico was the unfortunate way to close his time with the club.

He will be moved on for an undoubted loss, as the 25-year-old pushes for a transfer to Boca Juniors. It will be an ugly summer in that regard, since the Argentinian side can’t pay his asking price despite Torreira’s wishes to return closer to his hometown following the tragic death of his mother.

We just hope an amicable conclusion can be found.

Verdict: Sell

Matteo Guendouzi

The sooner the better in terms of Guendouzi leaving Arsenal. In many ways it’s a shame his talent couldn’t slot into Arsenal, as it had appeared to do under Unai Emery, but a troublesome attitude in a squad is one of the first characters that needs shifting amid a rebuild.

No love loss between Arteta and the Frenchman make this an obvious sale, with all that is left being to find a buyer.

His loan spell at Hertha Berlin worked well without being spectacular, although it appears to have courted the attentions of Marseille who are pushing hard to sign him and appear to be making inroads.

With just one year left Arsenal likely won’t be able to command much more than their initial outlay of £7m, but if double that can be secured then it’s signed, sealed and delivered.

Verdict: Sell

Sead Kolasinac

Arriving on a Bosman free transfer but collecting healthy wages throughout his time with Arsenal, this summer will spell the end for Kolasinac in whatever way possible.

Schalke 04 want him to return to Germany but their relegation makes that an option for the Gunners that won’t suit their financial needs. Lazio have recently thrown their hat in the ring which is encouraging, even if it was homesickness that prompted Kolasinac to leave north London in the first place.

However he leaves, and he will, it won’t be making Arsenal a tonne of money. More than likely is another contract cancellation.

Verdict: Sell

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

If Ainsley Maitland-Niles reversed his decision on not wanting to be a right-back, then there is definite scope for him to have a place at Arsenal as a squad option who could even be used as an emergency midfielder.

Nothing seems to suggest that will be the case and this is a scenario where widespread Premier League interest has to be taken advantage of. He was solid enough for West Brom as a No. 8 without pulling up trees, which has been enough to prompt interested parties to take note.

This is a fine occasion to cash in on him and there is plenty of grounds for Arsenal to be making close to £20m.

Verdict: Sell

Joe Willock

This is the big one. The unavoidable morale dilemma.

Whatever one’s viewpoint on Joe Willock’s future, you can’t help but appreciate both sides of the debate. On one hand, he’s doing exactly what every midfielder at Arsenal has failed to do for years: the lack of goals from midfield is shocking and whoever joins the club in the summer must start providing that. He’s in the form of his life, shouldn’t this be his chance to do that for his boyhood club?

60 games as an Arsenal player and 13 as a Newcastle player have brought up entirely different results. Why? Because of the system and because of Willock’s role. As the right-sided No. 8 at Newcastle in a midfield trio, his primary task is what he is best at: driving and arriving.

In order for those traits to flourish at Arsenal there has to be a systematic change as neither one of a double pivot or as a No. 10 would suit him. His value has never been higher and may never rise higher. It’s an unpopular decision but this summer calls for just that.

Willock is an Arsenal boy and it always hurts bidding them farewell. Sentiment has to be put to the side. £30m would make a huge difference.

Verdict: Sell

Alexandre Lacazette

Drip fed different stories throughout the summer on whether Alexandre Lacazette is staying or not indicates that there is real uncertainty within the Arsenal hierarchy. There shouldn’t be.

Aside from his goalscoring return, there is little to criticise Lacazette for. His passion, commitment and leadership qualities have been a welcome addition to the squad, never stirring up speculation in the media or speaking out against the club, even when the going was tough.

He just hasn’t produced the goods worthy of his hefty price tag, and despite having valuable qualities as a centre-forward Arsenal can no longer rely on strikers who can only do half of the job.

‘Our number nine’ should have been sold last summer with a replacement sounded out, and off the back of arguably his best season – to be fair to him – with just 12 months remaining, it’s time to cash in.

Verdict: Sell

Eddie Nketiah

Should have been sent out on loan in January when rival clubs were at their most desperate and in need of someone to stick the ball in the back of the net. Arteta wrongly opted for Nketiah to stay and the result was six months of warming the bench.

There is certain interest in him from England and likely Europe, with clubs always keen on a homegrown option who excels in being a poacher. Brighton are already showing an interest which is music to the ears as the Gunners pursue Yves Bissouma.

Selling him would be ideal as he isn’t at the grade to play for Arsenal, but if a player plus cash deal can be sorted – as has been mooted – then even better.

That doesn’t mean Arsenal should consider his value less than £10m, though.

Verdict: Sell

Calum Chambers

Arsenal have three right-backs and none of them are especially brilliant. Of that trio, the closest to being of the standard required is Chambers who admirably has battled his way back from long-term injury to sit firmly atop the pecking order.

In a season without Europe, players who can fill more than one role become increasingly cherished. In Chambers Arsenal have someone how can play full-back, centre-back and holding midfield, thus eliminating the need for added bodies.

Beyond versatility, Chambers has impressed in the final third of the season and there is no reason to be hounding him out the door when he’s proven to be a capable squad option at the least. He isn’t the right-back to elevate Arsenal into a top four side, but he is a reliable player with a wicked delivery.

With one year left to run another extension, maybe for two seasons or so, is a wise move.

Verdict: Keep (extend)

Mohamed Elneny

Elneny may as well walk around the pitch with ‘limited edition’ stuck to his forehead. It’s impossible to mention the Egyptian without listing his drawbacks.

What he is, however, is someone who knows how to play defensive midfield. He isn’t magnificent at it and is relatively average in all departments, but as someone who will fill in when needed and not kick up a fuss or strop and moan, Arsenal could do far worse then keeping him on as a fourth choice central midfielder.

He does only have one year left, though. It’s not like Arsenal are going to be making a fortune on him if they sold this summer and if they kept him on for the final year of his deal merely as a backup player then it wouldn’t constitute a dreadful decision.

If there is money to buy better then sell. Otherwise, it’s not a detrimental call.

Verdict: Keep

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Bonjour, capitaine.

Is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang losing it? Based off of his performances this season, then he may well be.

There are so many other factors to consider before making a conclusion. This campaign has been a horrible one on and off the pitch and Aubameyang has felt that just like the rest. When moved into centre-forward there was a great spell in front of goal with his underlying metrics meeting their usual standards before a drop off as the season wore on.

So much of that was down to having the wrong personnel behind him, as well as contracting malaria. The effects of that clearly haven’t worn off but Arteta’s decision to keep fielding him at the No. 9 is welcome as it shows he has absolute faith in him.

Far more is needed from the 31-year-old who is the biggest earner at the club, and he has to be less nice on the pitch, but with 38 games for him to focus on and with improvements around him he shouldn’t be doubted quite so soon.

(He’s not going to leave, either)

Verdict: Keep

Bernd Leno

An interesting scenario has crept up around Leno who a few months ago was seen as one of the senior core who was unlikely to be moved on. Comments he made and revelations about him wanting to leave in the press altered his disposition, and now a sale is on the cards.

Two years left to run on his deal and with talk of Arsenal looking at other goalkeepers this summer as well as the strong impression Mat Ryan left on the club may see the German moved on.

Where the issue lies is with interest. Amid a sea of speculation about who the club may sign and may sell, not even one unsubstantiated rumour has emerged regarding Leno. As of yet there have been no bites.

If Arsenal can find a buyer as well as a replacement, then this is a sale the club should be looking at: Andre Onana and Freddie Woodman have been mooted.

Realistically it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere and in between the sticks is far from the most important area to tend to. If the situation alters, however, then this is somewhere Arsenal could make some money. Big ‘if’, mind you.

Verdict: Sell (but happy if he stays)

Hector Bellerin

It would be rather anticlimactic if Bellerin were to stay after months on end of him seeming destined for a summer exit, wouldn’t it? Fortunately there is no chance of that happening.

Arteta is in the market for a new right-back and nobody in the squad is going to accrue more money this summer than the Spaniard. Not much more, anyway.

He has suitors across Europe and now is all about finding the right club for him and the right fee for Arsenal. Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Juventus have all been linked with him, and with Massimiliano Allegri re-joining the latter as manager, his system with wing-backs would suit Bellerin down perfectly.

£20m-£25m would do very nicely.

Verdict: Sell

Granit Xhaka

It’s the right time for Xhaka and Arsenal to part ways. From the moment Arteta convinced him to stay in the 2019/20 winter market, it was always felt that this was with a gentleman’s agreement that if he found the club for him in the summer of 2021, he’d be allowed to leave.

Roma have emerged as the front runners to secure him (with Mourinho at the helm of all people) and talks are already underway to bring him to Serie A on a £18m transfer.

Arsenal can definitely squeeze more out of willing buyers even if the market is stretched at the minute.

Crucially, it’s about finding a near identical replacement. Xhaka is the ball progressor in the side and being left footed also plays into it. He isn’t someone readily replaced. It’s a unique profile, but one that can be upgraded on.

Verdict: Sell

Willian

Oh Willian.

It’s getting to the point where you have to tilt your hat in admiration at just how atrocious of a signing this has been. The mere thought of having two more years of Sunday League-level desire is tear inducing.

Which is why it’s a good thing the Brazilian has been classed as ‘100% leaving’ Arsenal this summer. Like some sort of miracle, it actually appears as he’s off out the door.

For both parties, this relationship needs to end.

Arteta held on to the idea that he could be a success for months too long, and even he in his stubborn ways has seen the light. Hallelujah.

Verdict: Sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, sell, give away

Reiss Nelson

If Willian is to leave as suspected, what does that mean for Reiss Nelson? Even with 1,900 minutes freed up for the Hale Ender in such an instance, he still has no European football to feed his appetite for playing or indeed a clear path into the Premier League side.

Arsenal shouldn’t cut ties with him just yet, as with two years left his value can’t drop any further. All it can do is jump up if he gets his first full season of football to date, which should be the aim.

Unless, that is, if Emi Buendia remains a firm target this summer then there is scope to include Nelson in any potential deal. Norwich will need a wide player and to soften the blow, the naturally gifted 21-year-old could help tickle their tastebuds.

Verdict: Loan or include in Buendia deal

*Emile Smith Rowe not included in list as new contract is imminent