Arsenal have had an incredible transfer window so far, bringing in Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for an outlay of over £200m, but have made slow progress on sales.
Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka have departed permanently, whilst Matt Turner and Charlie Patino could also be set for moves, but there is plenty of deadwood within the squad that can be shipped out to recoup some money.
We’ve picked out seven players that Arteta should aim to get rid of before the deadline shuts, excluding Turner and Patino, who could leave but for whom there would be little problem if they choose to stay.
Runar Alex Runarsson
The Iceland international has been on multiple loans since a disastrous short spell as Bernd Leno’s backup three years ago, and it is clear that he needs to part ways for good. We recently ranked him as the worst goalkeeper to appear under Arteta, and there will be very few disagreements.
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Cedric Soares
The Portugal right-back has been a good professional off the pitch, but with Ben White, Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu all ahead of him, getting the 31-year-old off the wage bill will be the best move for all parties this summer.
Rob Holding
Another player whose impact off the pitch should be respected, Holding is clearly not at the level to be challenging for titles, and his inability to provide cover for William Saliba was shown during Arsenal’s drop in form in a crucial part of last season.
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Arsenal rejected an offer from Besiktas for the defender, but should a better bid arrive, now would be the ideal time to part ways with the 27-year-old.
Nuno Tavares
A £7m signing from Benfica who initially showed promise, Tavares proved to be too raw for this current Arsenal side, and after a mixed loan spell at Marseille last season, cutting losses on the left-back will be an aim for Edu Gaspar this summer.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
The Belgium international appears to be heading towards a loan move to Burnley, where he can reunite with former coach Vincent Kompany.
Although he showed glimpses of talent, he has fallen well behind in the midfield pecking order, and even if he impresses on loan, it seems unlikely that he will ever make the grade at the Emirates.
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal’s record signing until the arrival of Rice this summer, Pepe did impress at times, notching up 48 goals and assists in 112 games, but is simply unsuited to Arsenal and Arteta’s style, and could thrive in a counter-attacking side.
There appears to be few suitors for him this summer, and getting his final year’s salary off the wage bill could be very useful, even if he ends up leaving for free.
Folarin Balogun
The young striker thrived out on loan at Reims last season, scoring 18 times in Ligue 1, but given that he wants to play regularly, and the transfer interest in him from clubs around Europe, now could be the best time to sell the 22-year-old.
Balogun has two years remaining on his deal, and is unlikely to sign an extension as it stands. Arsenal are already well-stocked upfront with Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard, and could make a very healthy profit on the USA international if he departs for a big fee.