What should Arsenal do with their returning loanees this summer?

NICE, FRANCE - APRIL 8: Nicolas Pepe of Nice salutes the supporters following the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice (OGCN, Gym) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Allianz Riviera stadium on April 8, 2023 in Nice, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
NICE, FRANCE - APRIL 8: Nicolas Pepe of Nice salutes the supporters following the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice (OGCN, Gym) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Allianz Riviera stadium on April 8, 2023 in Nice, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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Sambi Lokonga spent the second half of the season at Crystal Palace. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Sambi Lokonga spent the second half of the season at Crystal Palace. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Midfielders & Forwards

Sambi Lokonga: SELL – I really want Sambi to succeed at the Emirates, but it’s just not going to happen, is it? With Arsenal set to bring in a couple of big names to their midfield this summer, Lokonga’s pathway to regular first-team action looks cloudy. Another loan could be on the table, but Arsenal should sell if a reasonable offer comes in.

Nicolas Pepe: SELL – This is a no-brainer. Pepe enjoyed a decent season with Nice but nothing more. The club would be wise to sell now with his contract expiring at the end of next season. Who wants him?

Folarin Balogun: SELL – A tough decision, but Balogun could make the club some serious money after his breakout season with Reims. Some want the young forward to remain at the club and potentially usurp Eddie Nketiah in the depth chart, but I just don’t see that happening given his current market value. Arsenal are expected to sell Balogun with the likes of RB Leipzig circling.

Marquinhos: LOAN – The young Brazilian is far from the finished product, and it’s a shame his loan spell at Norwich petered out following a promising start. Another loan is in order for Marquinhos, who joined the club in 2022.