Arsenal stars face uncertain future after Edu revelation

Suraj Radia

19 May 2024 05:30 CDT
3 min read

Arsenal will continue to build their squad towards mounting another Premier League challenge next season but some crucial first team players could also be sold this summer.

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The Gunners have battled with Manchester City for a title charge in the last two seasons, having invested heavily under Mikel Arteta and reshaping his squad since his appointment in 2019.

The turnaround under Arteta has led to numerous first team players signing new contracts in recent times and committing their future to the club, such as Bukayo Saka, Ben White and Jorginho.

However, some first team players have yet to be handed deals and could be sold this summer after sporting director Edu revealed that Arsenal have renewed ‘100%’ of the contracts they were looking to extend.

“We have renewed 100 per cent of the players we wanted to renew,” Edu told The Athletic. “Players don’t want to leave anymore, which makes my life easier.

“We changed the dynamic. Players want to be at a place where they can challenge for big things. They love it.”

© IMAGO - Edu Gaspar (left) has helped transform Arsenal with Mikel Arteta

Which Arsenal players have contracts expiring soon?

Three first team players will leave the Emirates upon the expiry of their deals this summer, with fringe options Mohamed Elneny, Cedric Soares and Karl Hein not among those handed a new contract.

Only two players have their contracts expiring next summer, one of which is Jorginho, having signed a new one-year deal earlier this month with an option for a further season.

However, one of the biggest names entering the final year of his deal is Thomas Partey and Edu’s words could indicate that the 30-year-old will be moved on this summer, with teams from the Saudi Pro League said to be interested.

Partey has been integral to Arsenal since his €50 million transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2020 but the Ghanian has struggled with injuries this year, making just 13 Premier League appearances.

Edu’s suggestion that no new extensions were imminent for players could also impact the futures of the five stars who have two years remaining on their contract.

While Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard are not expected to be sold, Emile Smith Rowe, Oleksander Zinchenko and Aaron Ramsdale could all be allowed to leave for the right price.