Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has seemingly let slip four key transfer decisions after the Premier League season for 2024/25 came to an end.
The Gunners, disappointed by their lack of silverware this campaign, were still looking to finish strongly in their final match.
Arsenal took on Southampton, hoping to land another three points for their final Premier League tally while giving hope for next season.
Kieran Tierney scored the opener for the North London side in what was seemingly his final game for the club.
Ross Stewart drew the home side level, however, with a flick on from a corner, proving that Arsenal have a defensive set-piece problem yet again.
While the game seemed destined to end in a draw, Martin Odegaard showed up with a strike from range to take all three points.
With the 2024/25 season now officially over, Mikel Arteta was asked about the way it ended, letting slip a transfer secret.
Mikel Arteta confirms transfer exits for Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Neto
With the campaign coming to an end, many Arsenal fans are thinking about the future and what that will look like under Arteta.
Plenty of potential for success lies ahead, but it will likely hinge on the summer transfer business conducted by Andrea Berta.
The sporting director has some bold decisions ahead with incoming transfers, as well as exits within the Arsenal squad.
It seems as though some of those have been made, with Arteta revealing that four players featured for the last time in Arsenal’s win over Southampton.
The Arsenal boss told the official Arsenal website: “Some of them, like Kieran [Tierney], they’ve been on this journey for six years with us.
“Jorginho, we’re trying to hug him, Neto and Raheem [Sterling] as well.
“So, there are a few players that I had the duty to say thank you to. I think we all have, and we wish them the best for the next season.”
While all of those moves were expected, it’s the first official confirmation from within the club that Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Neto are leaving.
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Arsenal’s transfer replacements for outgoing players
With Arsenal waving goodbye to four of their squad players, attention will turn to how they can best be replaced.
Jorginho is set to join Flamengo as a free agent in Brazil, continuing his impressive career with a fresh deal there.
Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi as his replacement, with the Spaniard expected to fill a similar role in the squad with his ability on the ball.
As for Kieran Tierney, he is expected to join Celtic, while his replacements are already at the club in Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori.
Neto’s loan from Bournemouth ends with just one appearance made, meaning Arsenal are on the hunt for a new backup goalkeeper.
Raheem Sterling’s loan from Chelsea finishes with the star scoring just once in his time with the Gunners, ending a disappointing spell.
Arsenal are expected to sign a winger to add quality and depth this summer, with Rodrygo, Nico Williams and Kaoru Mitoma all heavily linked.
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