Arsenal: 5 midfielders in line for summer departures

Arsenal have closed their transfer business for another season with a dramatic yet underwhelming January window passing them by.

Mikel Arteta and co have deemed it doable for a squad of only 21 senior players, including three goalkeepers, to navigate their way through the remaining 17 matches of the Premier League season and achieve the remaining challenge of the season of clinching a top four spot.

Fans have been yearning for this rebuild to take place, and as violent and ugly as it may seem, it’s underway – and we’re all for it.

Letting go six members of the first team was a welcome, if not risky, move.

Arsenal: 5 midfielders in line for summer departures as Mikel Arteta and Edu prepare for another transfer window of multiple sales and signings

Those allowed to leave – barring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – had barely contributed this season. The former captain accrued a decent share of minutes, but none since December 6 and therefore even his departure won’t be as keenly felt.

What will be felt is the lack of arrivals. But that ship has sailed. This is the squad now and there will be no further changes until the summer.

Joining the 32-year-old in departing in January were Calum Chambers, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pablo Mari, Sead Kolasinac and Folarin Balogun, all of whom left on a combination of deals ranging from permanent, to contract terminations, to loans. More are expected.

Despite the previous summer being one of monumental upheaval, the work is far from over. Looking across the squad there are six midfielders who are either due to leave, or could have moves away on the cards.

1. Mohamed Elneny

Nobody dislikes Mohamed Elneny. He’s a great character, a hard worker and has never grumbled about his position in the team.

But everyone is excited about his departure: less due to wanting him gone, and more down to knowing that the club can do much, much better in the position.

One of only four senior midfielders at the club for the remainder of the campaign, it’s likely that the vast majority of Elneny’s minutes will come as a late substitute to try and see games out. That’s the hope anyway, as unwelcome injuries or other absences could shoot him up the pecking order.

When he does leave he will do so with everyone’s best wishes. If he can play his part in helping Arsenal secure a top four spot then we’ll remember him even more fondly.

Estimated fee: £0

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