3 Hale End stars Arsenal could sell in 2024

As we teeter into 2024 and thus the start of the January transfer window, the early indications are that Arsenal aren't expected to have a busy winter.

However, their woes at the end of the year has many supporters clamouring for upgrades.

One does wonder whether Arsenal's current transfer would resolve their woes in regards to possession predictability and efficiency in front of goal. Moreover, conducting business midway through the season is always much harder compared to the summer for a myriad of reasons.

Nevertheless, given the club's objectives for 2023/24, there's no doubt that Mikel Arteta and company could be tempting into signings as January progresses. However, Arsenal are going to have to sell before they buy due to Financial Fair Play concerns, and the perks of selling homegrown stars from a FFP perspective means these three players could find themselves on the chopping block.

3 Hale End stars Arsenal could sell in 2024

1. Reiss Nelson

Poor Reiss Nelson, eh?

Despite his impressive production, Bukayo Saka has not consistently been anywhere near his best this season.

The winger has started all but one of Arsenal's Premier League games this term, with Gabriel Jesus getting the nod down the right when a hamstring injury ruled Saka out of the 1-0 win over Man City in October.

Nelson signed a new contract with the club in the summer despite rarely featuring last season, and he might've thought an uptick in minutes would greet him in 2023/24 as the club opted against bringing in another forward - Kai Havertz notwithstanding - in the summer.

The Hale End star, though, has made just three starts in all competitions. While far from a world-beater, Nelson has often been bright for the Gunners this term and undoubtedly deserves more minutes. Given his current role in the squad, it wouldn't be a surprise if the club sold him this winter. West Ham are among those reportedly keen to negotiate a permanent deal.

2. Eddie Nketiah

Time may well be running out for Nketiah in north London, and January could be the right time to part ways with the forward.

I have no doubt that Eddie can shine in the Premier League - he already has - just not for a side of Arsenal's ambition.

The Gunners have been linked with a long list of forwards this month, but Nketiah will have to be sold to make way for a newcomer. The Englishman has garnered interest from the Premier League, and Arsenal would be wise to sell if they receive a reasonable offer.

3. Emile Smith Rowe

Some might believe there's still scope for Smith Rowe to shine in north London, but given the direction Arteta has taken this season, I think the playmaker's time in north London is drawing to a close.

Smith Rowe is the antithesis of the dreary control Arteta now craves, and the Englishman has only played 243 minutes as a result. He's also been hampered by a knee injury.

ESR has been limited to cameos this term and has rarely featured as of late despite Kai Havertz serving a suspension and Fabio Vieira missing out due to a groin injury.

Given his diminished role, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the club move on from the Hale End graduate this month to facilitate an arrival or two.