Mikel Arteta and Edu plan for ‘eight Arsenal exits’ to pull off summer transfer overhaul

Mikel Arteta is reportedly planning to overhaul his squad this summer despite relative success this term.

The Gunners missed out on a the Premier League title, but they were much closer than many believed they would have been this term. There are plenty of positives to take from this season, but Arteta will want to build a squad that goes one better next season, and with Manchester City still improving, and indeed with Manchester United and Liverpool likely to improve this summer, the Gunners must follow suit.

But for incomings, there must be outgoings to make space, and a report from The Mirror claims Arteta and Edu have already drawn up summer plans.

The report claims Arsenal want as many as five new signings, but there could be even more departures. Thomas Partey is attracting attention and could be moved on, while Granit Xhaka is also tipped to leave with a midfielder signing likely. Elsewhere, deputy defender Rob Holding is set to move on to find more regular football, and Kieran Tierney is a player in need of more starts, already being linked with Newcastle United.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also set for the axe, and it is likely Folarin Balogun will attract interest after an impressive loan spell. Balogun is unlikely to get opportunities ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, and he could be on his way as a result.

The report also suggests there are big question marks over Emile Smith Rowe’s future amid reduced involvement this season. Smith Rowe could be sold to raise money for a high-profile signing, with Declan Rice of interest to the Gunners, while James Maddison could also be seen as an upgrade, being able to play wide or in the number 10 role, much like Smith Rowe.

It could be a summer of change at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta will surely have to be careful not to make too many changes as he looks to maintain the balance in his squad that allowed for relative success this season.