Transfer Centre

Three England internationals 'among seven players put up for sale by Arsenal'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 May 2024

Arsenal reportedly put seven players up for sale ahead of the summer transfer window, including England internationals Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.

A trio of England internationals are reportedly among seven players whom Arsenal are prepared to entertain offers for in the summer transfer window.

Another campaign of close but no cigar is set to befall Mikel Arteta's men, who appear destined to finish second in the Premier League behind Manchester City for the second year running.

Unlike last year, where an end-of-season capitulation lost them the crown, Arsenal have taken the fight for the title right up until gameweek 38, but Man City's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday saw the champions establish a two-point lead at the summit.

While the Gunners can only get their job done against Everton on May 19, their efforts will be rendered meaningless if Man City overcome West Ham United for an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League title.

However, the undeniable signs of progression under Arteta means that the Spaniard will once again be backed in the transfer market, where a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker will likely be sought.

Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe pictured on September 27, 2023 © Reuters

Emile Smith Rowe 'among Englishmen up for sale'

In order to raise the required funds and stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play, The Mirror claims that seven out-of-favour players are on the chopping block, including England trio Eddie Nketiah, Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.

Smith Rowe and Ramsdale were both pivotal performers for the Gunners in the 2021-22 season, but the former has failed to hit the same heights since, while Ramsdale will be playing second fiddle again next season if he stays as David Raya's move from Brentford will be made permanent.

Meanwhile, Nketiah is now Arteta's third-choice striker behind Gabriel Jesus and the rejuvenated Kai Havertz, and both his and Smith Rowe's anticipated exits would go down as pure profit under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The same goes for fellow Hale End academy product Reiss Nelson, who signed a long-term contract extension last year but has only been a bit-part player this time around, failing to make six of Arsenal's last seven Premier League squads.

In addition to the home-grown quartet, Arsenal apparently plan to sever ties with three on-loan players in the upcoming transfer window, including left-back pair Nuno Tavares (Nottingham Forest) and Kieran Tierney (Real Sociedad).

Ten senior players to leave Arsenal this summer?

Arsenal's Kieran Tierney pictured in May 2023 © Reuters

The latter has already admitted that a move away from the Emirates is likely, and Albert Sambi Lokonga (Luton Town) could follow suit, despite his promising performances for the Hatters this term.

As well as their transfer-listed stars, Arsenal are also expected to wave goodbye to a trio of soon-to-be free agents when their contracts expire in June, including the experienced Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares.

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo - who shone for Wrexham during their successful push for League One promotion - is in the same boat, while Karl Hein is also out of contract this summer but will presumably be offered an extension.

While Jorginho has penned a short-term contract extension, Arteta is also facing a dilemma over Thomas Partey, whose own terms run out in 2025, as the Gunners are set to pursue a new number six this summer.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes is believed to be the number one target, but the Gunners were recently dealt a serious blow in their pursuit of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.