Six Arsenal players on thin ice before the summer transfer window

Mikel Arteta has some uncomfortable conversations on the way
Mikel Arteta has some uncomfortable conversations on the way | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

This is the most important transfer window in Arsenal's recent history following Andrea Berta's arrival as the club's new sporting director.

GIVEMESPORT reports that the Gunners have a £300m transfer war chest to ensure no injury problems plague Mikel Arteta's squad in the future, as they have done this season.

Berta and Arteta will be looking to swoop for high-profile names, especially up top, with not one but two forwards rumoured to be on the agenda. But they will also be looking to make space for additions by making way with several players due to contract situations, a lack of form or a desire for more first-team opportunities.


Arsenal players who could be in the shop window this summer

Many Arsenal stars have failed to impress this season, and their struggles have given Arteta enough evidence to sell. When the going got tough amid injuries to Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, some of his troops didn't step up as required.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko has regressed | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

It's fair to say that Oleksandr Zinchenko is better off leaving this summer after falling down Arteta's pecking order. The Ukrainian left-back impressed in his debut season at the Emirates after arriving from Manchester City for £30m in 2022.

The 28-year-old will have a year left on his contract and now is the time to cash in given the bit-part role he's been handed. He has started just four of 13 Premier League games, with Arteta preferring Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori.

Zinchenko was unsure about his future when speaking in March and one would imagine he'll be looking for a more influental role come next season. Turkish giants Galatasaray were reportedly interested in signing the Ukraine international in January and could swoop this summer.

Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard could make way for Nico Williams | Michael Steele/GettyImages

The Belgian attacker has been a difference maker and an important option off the bench for Arteta. He's managed a decent record of eight goals and six assists in 35 league games and there hasn't been much talk of the 30-year-old complaining about his lack of an undisputed starting role.

That said, if Arsenal are to push on and bolster Arteta's attack than the former Brighton man is likely to be one of the players to make way. He was on Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad's radar in January although the club snubbed reported a €35m offer.

That bid came when the Gunners struggled with injury setbacks, and there could be a chance to upgrade this summer. Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams is one of the top targets, and Berta has held talks with the Spaniard's representatives.

Furthermore, it could be a choice between the Belgium international and Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian hasn't had the best of seasons but is surely the long-term choice in such a scenario.

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus' injury record is a massive pain | Alex Pantling/GettyImages

It's unfortunately time for the club to offload Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian striker's injury troubles prove too problematic. He had come into form in December, including striking a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

The 28-year-old then suffered a season-ending ACL injury, and this has been a massive hindrance to the Gunners' failure to mount a better title challenge against Liverpool. He was linked with a move away last summer, and his record of sitting out 62 club games (per Transfermarkt) due to injuries since joining the club in August 2022 can't be ignored.

A transfer could be perfect for all parties as Jesus could have the opportunity for a fresh start elsewhere as a leading number nine, which he desires. The club can press ahead with their intent to sign two high-profile forwards and whomever he joins will be getting one of Europe's most clever attackers.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu can't stay fit | Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

Another one who has run into injury problems is Takehiro Tomiyasu, and it couldn't have come at a worse time for the Japanese defender. His versatility is a massive benefit as he can play across the backline, but that's only going to be put to use if he can get on the pitch.

Tomiyasu has made just one appearance this season amid a knee injury that required surgery. The 26-year-old will have a year left on his contract this summer, and much like Zinchenko, now may be the time to sell.

A frustrating season for the right-back is putting Arteta under pressure ahead of a vital summer rebuild. With Ben White and Jurrien Timber already battling it out for the starting berth in his preferred position, it could mean he's better off leaving.

Jorginho

Jorginho
Jorginho's contract is up | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

This has seemed a formality for quite a while but Jorginho is set to leave at the end of the season. The Italian midfielder is in the final weeks of his contract and he doesn't intend to sign an extension if offered, per Football Insider.

The 33-year-old has been a leader of sorts even if not getting as much football as he'd desire. There was talk of the former Chelsea man stepping into a coaching role when his deal is up but it appears he wants to continue his playing career.

Jorginho said "we'll see" last month regarding a potential move to Brazilian outfit Flamengo in the summer. He'll be off the club's wage books and his exit could lead to Real Sociedad man Martin Zubimendi's arrival.

Fabio Vieira

Fabio Vieira
Fabio Vieira could wave goodbye this summer | Diogo Cardoso/GettyImages

Let's not forget players currently out on loan, and Fabio Vieira has been handed consistent minutes while at FC Porto this season. The Portuguese attacker has managed four goals and as many assists in 24 Liga Portugal games, but it's unlikely he'll be displacing Martin Odegaard in Arteta's XI.

TBR Football's Graeme Bailey has suggested Vieira won't be given the desired first-team opportunities on his return to the Emirates. This stirs up talk of a potential second loan or permanent transfer, and his recent form at the Estadio do Dragao could see him rewarded with the Portuguese giants making a permanent offer.


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