14 Players who could leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window

Arsenal is gearing up for a hectic summer as they get ready for their return to the Champions League for the first time since 2017. Anticipated is the arrival of some high-value signings, but there is also the possibility of notable departures as Mikel Arteta persists with his squad reconstruction.

The transfer window brings uncertainty for various players in north London, ranging from seasoned figures like Granit Xhaka to promising youngsters like Charlie Patino, as their long-term futures come into question.

1. Emile Smith Rowe

The potential departure of Smith Rowe this summer would undoubtedly spark a significant difference in opinion. Despite his limited appearances this season, the Hale End academy graduate retains immense popularity among the fanbase.

However, it is evident that he currently sits low in Mikel Arteta's list of preferred players. With Arsenal expected to bolster their midfield with multiple signings, Smith Rowe could be considered dispensable if a reasonable offer arises.

Emile Smith Rowe

Furthermore, Arsenal has engaged in discussions regarding the acquisition of Mason Mount, a player who shares similar positional qualities with Smith Rowe. This development further clouds the long-term prospects for the 22-year-old at the club.

Two years ago, the Gunners vehemently rejected multiple bids from Aston Villa for Smith Rowe, emphasizing his non-availability for transfer. Whether their stance would change this time around in the face of substantial offers remains to be seen.

2. Granit Xhaka

It would be unexpected if Xhaka were to depart this summer, but there is anticipated interest in the Swiss international once the season concludes. Arsenal is exploring the possibility of recruiting players like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, which could potentially lead to Xhaka's departure to create space and generate funds.

Granit Xhaka

Arteta continues to hold a high regard for Xhaka, who has had a significant impact this season by elevating his performance in an advanced midfield position. However, if the 30-year-old expresses a desire to leave and return to Germany, Arsenal's manager might not impede his departure.

3. Charlie Patino 

Following discussions between the club and the player, Arsenal's promising young midfielder is poised to depart. It has been mutually decided that the academy graduate should pursue regular playing time elsewhere, considering his impressive loan stint at Blackpool.

Charlie Patino 

Numerous clubs, both domestic and international, have already expressed keen interest in the 19-year-old. Arsenal, along with Patino's representatives, will collaborate to secure the most suitable move for the teenager. In any agreed deal, the Gunners are anticipated to incorporate various clauses to protect their interests.

4. Kieran Tierney

While Arsenal ideally wishes to retain Tierney ahead of the club's return to the Champions League, the Scotland international has lost his starting position this season to Oleksandr Zinchenko, prompting speculations of his desire to move on.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have reportedly shown interest and are poised to submit substantial offers for the left-back once the season concludes.

Kieran Tierney

Given Arsenal's financial needs for the upcoming summer, Tierney, who holds significant market value, could potentially be allowed to depart, thus concluding his four-year tenure in north London.

5. Nuno Tavares

The prospects for Tavares having a long-term future at Arsenal appear uncertain. Although his loan spell at Marseille began promisingly, it has somewhat faded as the season progressed.

Nuno Tavares

It appears unlikely that the Ligue 1 club will pursue a permanent transfer for him in the summer, leaving Arsenal with a decision to make regarding the left-back's situation for the upcoming season.

In the event of Tierney's potential departure, Tavares could be considered as a backup option to Zinchenko next season. However, whether Arteta would have enough trust in the young Portuguese defender to provide him with significant playing time remains to be seen.

6. Sambi Lokonga

Similar to Tavares, it is challenging to envision a long-term future for Lokonga at Arsenal. With significant midfield reinforcements expected to arrive in the summer, the pathway to the first team appears blocked for the Belgian international.

Sambi Lokonga

Prior to his loan spell at Crystal Palace, Lokonga had limited playing time, and it seems he may encounter even greater difficulties upon his return from Selhurst Park. Hence, a move appears to be a favorable option for his career progression.

However, whether Arsenal can secure a buyer for the 23-year-old, whom they acquired from Anderlecht for £18 million ($23m) two years ago, remains uncertain.

7. Reiss Nelson

Nelson's contract is set to expire this summer, and despite ongoing discussions for quite some time, he has not yet reached an agreement on a new deal. Several clubs, including Brighton, have reportedly shown interest in the winger and are optimistic about securing his services on a free transfer.

Reiss Nelson

While Arsenal does desire to retain him and has presented new contract terms, they are not willing to make extravagant financial commitments to retain the 23-year-old. This raises the possibility that Nelson might seek more consistent playing time at another club.

8. Folarin Balogun

This summer, Arsenal faces a significant decision regarding Balogun's future. The young forward has enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Reims in France, where he has become accustomed to being a regular starter. If he remains at Arsenal next season, he is unlikely to have the same opportunity, leading to expectations that he will seek a move, considering the widespread interest in his services.

Folarin Balogun

Furthermore, Balogun's market value has soared due to his impressive performances at Reims, which may prompt Arsenal to consider cashing in on the 21-year-old forward.

9. Cedric Soares

Having spent the latter part of the season on loan at Fulham, the Portugal international is anticipated to depart this summer.

Cedric Soares

Soares will have one more year remaining on his contract, making it potentially challenging to find a club willing to cover his wages. However, he will actively seek a permanent move to secure regular playing time elsewhere, and Arsenal will not hinder his departure.

10. Pablo Mari 

Mari's transfer to Monza in Italy has already been completed on a permanent basis. As part of the loan agreement that sent Mari to Italy last summer, a clause was included, stating that if Monza managed to avoid relegation, the move would become permanent.

Pablo Mari

With Monza successfully meeting that condition, Mari will remain at the club, and Arsenal will receive approximately £6 million ($7.5 million) for the transfer of the center-back.

11. Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Maitland-Niles has officially announced his departure from Arsenal, set to take place this summer. The midfielder, presently on loan at Southampton, is approaching the final months of his contract and will not be offered an extension. Consequently, he will depart the club on a free transfer once the season concludes.

12. Auston Trusty

Trusty has had an impressive debut season in England, making a significant impact during his loan spell at Birmingham City in the Championship. The center-back's outstanding performances have earned him the prestigious title of the Blues' Player of the Season and caught the attention of numerous admirers.

Auston Trusty

Arsenal intends to hold discussions with Trusty in the coming months to determine the next course of action for the defender, who has recently emerged as a prospect for the United States men's national team.

Whether the club decides to capitalize on his value by selling him now or chooses to send him out on loan again is yet to be determined. However, it appears highly unlikely that he will remain in north London next season as part of Arteta's senior squad.

13. Nicolas Pepe

Arsenal's record-breaking signing, who has been on loan at Nice for the previous season, is left with only one year remaining on his contract. It is evident that Pepe does not have a future at Arsenal, prompting the club to actively seek a permanent transfer for him this summer.

Nicolas Pepe

However, finding a buyer for Pepe will prove to be exceedingly challenging due to his substantial wages, making the situation difficult to resolve.

14. Rob Holding

Is this the summer when Holding will finally depart from Arsenal? The defender is held in high regard by the club, and Arteta highly appreciates his leadership qualities. However, Holding's recent performances, following his inclusion in the team due to William Saliba's injury, have exposed certain deficiencies in his ability as a center-back.

Rob Holding

Having been displaced by Jakub Kiwior, and with the anticipation of another center-back arrival during the upcoming summer, Holding might be deemed surplus to requirements as Arsenal continues to shape and strengthen their squad.