Arsenal are set for a summer filled with potential exits as Mikel Arteta looks to continue transforming his squad.
The Gunners board and recruitment team have worked hard in recent years to bolster the quality available to the manager, creating momentum to push for the Premier League title.
While the Emirates Stadium outfit have narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy twice, they seem to be getting closer.
It means this summer is just as important in building the squad again, with Arsenal already adding Riccardo Calafiori to the team.
However, those changes to Arteta’s options don’t just hint at potential signings but exits too.
The latest of which appears to be Emile Smith Rowe, who is readying a move to London rivals Fulham this summer.
Beyond his move, there could be yet more activity leaving London Colney before further signings are made.
Eddie Nketiah agrees Olympique Marseille contract
With one academy graduate in Smith Rowe set to leave, the next player to follow him could be another that made their way through the youth ranks.
That’s striker Eddie Nketiah, who has been heavily linked with a move to Olympique Marseille in the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old made 27 Premier League appearances last season, scoring five goals and assisting two for Arsenal.
His form at the start of the campaign even earned Nketiah a debut England senior cap, though he would eventually play as a backup in the second half of the season.
With questions over the striker’s future, the Athletic reports that Nketiah has agreed a five-year contract and personal terms with Marseille over a move.
The French club are claimed to have offered roughly £16.8million for the Arsenal star, with terms more favourable than their previous offer but still some way apart from the club’s current valuation.
Dialogue is set to continue over the move this summer, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add Nketiah to his new team.
Should Arsenal sell Eddie Nketiah?
There is a dilemma facing Arsenal when it comes to the future of Nketiah in their team and the guarantees they can make to him.
The striker has often played as a backup or an option in the cup games, which may not be ideal for him and the game time he wants.
There’s also the question of transfer value and whether the Gunners can maximise that to unlock other improvements in the squad through signings.
However, beyond that, there’s a striker who is capable of adding the box presence and finishing ability that has been missing at times for Arsenal.
With a deal until 2027, there’s no rush in facing a potential sale to avoid a free transfer, while his performances in pre-season have impressed Arteta.
“A lot of players are being linked with potential moves,” the Arsenal boss told the media on Nketiah and Reiss Nelson. “One way or the other. It’s normal.
“What I really like are the players that we have, the levels that they are showing. Especially the commitment, you can see it today just talking about those two the way they performed.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will sign off on an exit for Nketiah and if so, what their valuation would be.
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