Arsenal plan big clear out including youngsters to fund summer spending spree

A chaotic week at Arsenal was capped off by a frustrating 1-0 home defeat by Everton on Friday, courtesy of a calamitous own goal from goalkeeper Bernd Leno. 

With the Gunners now sitting 12 points off the top-four and flirting with the bottom half, winning this season’s Europa League as their only realistic remaining chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Hundreds of Arsenal fans had gathered outside the Emirates on the day of the Everton game to protest against the ownership of Stan Kroenke, in light of the recent drama involving the proposed European Super League.

With Arsenal’s entire season now dependant on them winning the Europa League, it appears that those in charge at the club are already looking forward to next season.

According to Football London, at least four players are to be put up for sale in the hope of raising funds to improve the playing squad for next term.

The report suggests that out on-loan midfield pairing Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, currently at Atletico Madrid and Hertha Berlin respectively, will both be sold in order to free up cash.

Nketiah has struggled to secure a starting spot under Arteta and could be sold this summer.

It is also claimed that the North Londoners are open to selling youngsters Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, the latter of whom is on loan with West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal are rumoured to be keen on making Martin Odegaard’s move to London a permanent one, whilst they are also in the market for full-backs.

Hector Bellerin is said to be keen on a departure if the right opportunity arrises, and the club are reportedly open to allowing him to depart after a decade at the club.

The current contract of David Luiz expires in June, while Alexandre Lacazette has just over 12 months remaining on his, and it is not yet known whether or not either player will extend their stay.

It’s claimed that the club plans to build a squad around the likes of Thomas Party, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney.

With Champions League qualification so crucial in determining a club’s ability to attract players, every one of Arsenal’s remaining games will undoubtedly prove pivotal, none less so than the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against La Liga side Villarreal on Thursday.