Three homegrown Arsenal players could now be culled from the squad in order to fund Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a midfield acquisition.
Before Arsenal can make a number of signings in the upcoming summer transfer window, they will need to clear the decks in their squad somewhat.
There are certainly players on the books at the Emirates Stadium now who are not in Mikel Arteta’s plans. Thirteen Arsenal players have been tipped to leave the club at the end of this season.
Some of these departures are a certainty. For instance, Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny will both leave as free agents. Other exits will depend on suitors coming forward.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal would be willing to accept offers for Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson, all in order to fund a move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.
This trio of Hale End academy graduates have all struggled to make an impact this season.
Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson all face Arsenal cut
Nketiah started the campaign as a regular starter, and even earned his first senior England cap with his form at that time. However, the striker has not scored in the Premier League since netting his maiden Premier League hat-trick in October.
He has been a bit-part player since the turn of the year, as Kai Havertz has established himself as the first choice striker in North London. Nketiah would now likely welcome a move away from Arsenal for the chance to play regular football.
Equally, Smith Rowe has endured another injury-hit campaign, and opportunities have been hard for the midfielder to come by even when he has been fit and available. There is no doubting the 23-year-old’s talent, but he could benefit from a fresh start in a new environment.
Arteta has suggested that Smith Rowe remains in his plans, but his reluctance to use the player regularly would indicate otherwise. Meanwhile, there is no future for Nelson at the club, as the winger has only been handed one Premier League start all season.
Arsenal can make statement of intent with Bruno Guimaraes signing
Guimaraes would be an exciting addition to the Gunners’ roster. Newcastle would likely be loathe to part with the Brazilian, but the presence of a £100 million release clause in the 26-year-old’s current contract, as reported by FourFourTwo, opens a window of opportunity for Arsenal to swoop.
Securing Guimaraes’ services would be a real statement of intent. Arsenal also need to strengthen in that part of the pitch. Jorginho is in the twilight of his career, and Thomas Partey’s availability cannot be relied upon.
Alongside Declan Rice, Guimaraes could feature in the middle of the park for Arsenal for years to come. Clearly, though, some sacrifice will be needed to bring him to the club, and three academy graduates now look to be on the chopping block.