Arsenal may end up making some surprising first-team sales this summer as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen the depth of his squad.
Arsenal came agonisingly close in the Premier League title race but finished two points behind Manchester City, and better depth for increased rotation may have been the difference between the two teams.
Arteta may now see this summer as an opportunity to clear out some of his fringe options to make room for more quality depth, and this could see some big names leave.
Emile Smith Rowe is a candidate for the exit door given his lack of game time, whilst Thomas Partey may also be moved on after another injury-hit campaign.
There are now also question marks over the future of attacker Gabriel Jesus, who lost his starting spot at centre-forward to Kai Havertz, and there is certainly interest in him.
AC Milan are interested in Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus
A report from Italian outlet Sport Italia has now claimed that Serie A giants AC Milan could move for Gabriel Jesus as they look to strengthen their forward options.
The 27-year-old is one of several options Milan are considering after finishing second in Serie A and qualifying for the Champions League again, as well as reported Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee, but a deal looks extremely difficult.
Jesus still has three years left on his £265k-a-week contract, and Arsenal would want a significant fee to part ways with a player who at his best, is one of the most talented players in the squad.
The report claims that any deal to take the Brazilian may have to be structured in an initial loan, similar to the situation of Romelu Lukaku, and that whilst this is unlikely, “nothing is impossible.”
Arsenal should keep Gabriel Jesus despite Milan interest
Jesus was outstanding in his first few months at Arsenal after his £45m move from Manchester City, and helped raise the level of the squad to one which could challenge for the title.
A knee injury he suffered at the World Cup has plagued him since, and this season was a frustrating one for him as he could not find his form in between injuries.
Jesus scored just four Premier League goals, but did score four and assist three times in eight Champions League appearances, as the Arsenal player with the most experience in the competition.
A full pre-season and a return to consistent fitness could see Jesus recapture his best form, and Arsenal should give him one more season to try and find this.
Although Jesus is not as speedy as some of Arsenal’s other attackers, he can still provide quality on both wings or as a striker, and unless a huge offer comes in, a surprise exit to Milan should not be considered.