5 Players Mikel Arteta's Arsenal Must Sell to Fund Key Transfer Reinforcements
i

Arsenal are expected to offload five key players, including Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, to fund summer transfers for a top striker and defensive midfielde

5 Players Mikel Arteta's Arsenal Must Sell to Fund Key Transfer Reinforcements

Stephen Awino 12:30 - 19.06.2025

Arsenal need to offload five key players to fund summer transfers for a top striker and defensive midfielder.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is preparing for a decisive summer transfer window, one that could shape the Gunners' chances of ending decades-long drought and finally clinching the Premier League title.

Despite falling agonizingly short in recent campaigns, the North London side still lacks the final puzzle pieces in critical areas, most notably a clinical striker and a solid defensive midfielder.

Linked with high-profile names such as Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal must raise funds to afford these costly targets.

Pulse Sports examines five players who could be sacrificed to bolster Arteta’s transfer war chest.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

5. Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus in distress after sustaining an injury against Manchester United (Credit: Imago)

When Gabriel Jesus arrived from Manchester City, he was billed as the dynamic, title-winning forward Arsenal needed.

While his technical ability and work rate remain unquestioned, Jesus has struggled with injuries and a lack of clinical edge in front of goal.

In the 2024/25 season, his goal return has not matched Arsenal's lofty ambitions.

With interest from clubs abroad, cashing in on the Brazilian now could allow the Gunners to reinvest in a more consistent and physical finisher.

4. Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz Arsenal
Arsenal's Kai Havertz missed nealry half of the Gunners campaign.

Signed for over £60 million from Chelsea, Kai Havertz has had a polarizing spell at the Emirates.

Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, questions remain about his natural fit in Arsenal’s system.

As a midfielder-turned-forward, Havertz often drifts in and out of games.

If a suitable offer arrives, Arsenal may be wise to part ways and use the funds on a more traditional central midfielder like Zubimendi.

3. Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard Arsenal
Leandro Trossard has been a hit and miss for Arsenal.

The Belgian international played a vital role as a rotational attacker in the past season, chipping in with valuable goals.

However, his recent mixed spell with the Gunners, Trossard could be seen as expendable.

At 30, this might be Arsenal’s last chance to make a decent profit on the winger while freeing up space for more dynamic or future-focused players.

2. Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu Arsenal
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

A versatile and reliable defender when fit, Takehiro Tomiyasu has unfortunately been plagued by injury concerns.

Arsenal’s defensive depth has grown significantly with the rise of Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, and Jurrien Timber, meaning Tomiyasu’s role is no longer indispensable.

Selling him could not only raise funds but also reduce the wage bill, enabling room for a new holding midfielder or fullback.

5 Most Beautiful CHAN 2024 Stadiums
FOOTBALL

15:00 - 13.06.2025

5 Most Beautiful CHAN 2024 Stadiums

CHAN 2024 will showcase East Africa’s top stadiums, with a stunning lineup of upgraded, beautiful, and high-capacity venues across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

1. Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksander Zinchenko Arsenal
Arsenal's Oleksander Zinchenko and Mikel Arteta.

Initially a masterstroke signing, Zinchenko’s inverted fullback role helped transform Arsenal’s buildup play.

However, his defensive frailties have increasingly been exposed, especially in big games.

With Kiwior and Timber offering more balanced profiles at left-back, Zinchenko may be the most logical high-value exit.

Selling the Ukrainian would allow Arteta to fund upgrades in midfield or even secure a striker without compromising defensive integrity.

As Arsenal eyes a fresh title charge in the 2025/26 campaign, tough decisions must be made.

Offloading these five players could provide the necessary financial boost to sign elite reinforcements up front and in midfield, two areas that have held the Gunners back from Premier League glory.