Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is preparing for a significant summer of player departures, with a list of 11 stars who could be sold to keep Mikel Arteta's squad competitive. This marks Berta's second transfer window at the Emirates, where outgoings are expected to take priority after heavy spending in his first year.
Financial Balancing Act
In his debut summer, Berta invested £250 million on seven permanent signings, plus an eighth, Piero Hincapie, whose £45 million loan from Bayer Leverkusen is set to become permanent. This expenditure has shifted focus to balancing the books, with Berta aiming for more successful departures than in 2025. According to The Times, Arsenal are planning a squad refresh following what they hope will be their first Premier League title win in over two decades.
Players on the Chopping Block
Among the first-team loanees, only Jakub Kiwior is guaranteed to leave permanently, with Porto offering £17 million. Berta is actively seeking buyers for Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, and Karl Hein, all returning to the Emirates with one year left on their contracts. Additionally, several current squad members face uncertain futures.
Ben White and Christian Norgaard could be upgraded after limited minutes this season, while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus are out of contract in 2027. High-profile forward Gabriel Martinelli, with two years remaining on his deal, might be deemed surplus due to Arsenal's heavy investment in attack and the emergence of Max Dowman.
Academy Prospects Seeking Game Time
Academy products Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri could also depart in search of regular play. Lewis-Skelly's role has diminished since Hincapie's arrival, and Nwaneri was loaned to Marseille in January, where he has scored one goal and provided one assist in eight games. Both Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund showed interest in Nwaneri last summer before he signed a long-term contract.
Strategic Considerations
Such a clear-out would necessitate Berta opening the chequebook for replacements, but Arteta is unlikely to sanction all 11 departures to maintain dressing room continuity after a potentially successful campaign. In terms of arrivals, Arsenal are monitoring RB Leipzig centre-half Castello Lukeba and Newcastle right-back Tino Livramento.
Contract Talks on the Horizon
The Gunners also plan to hold contract discussions with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, who have two years left on their deals. Havertz, earning around £275,000 weekly, was recently surpassed as Arsenal's top earner by Bukayo Saka's new £300,000-a-week contract. Odegaard reportedly earns roughly £240,000 per week.
This summer promises to be a pivotal period for Arsenal as Berta navigates sales to sustain squad competitiveness and financial health.
