Arsenal’s mass clearout ahead of the new season is threatening to begin with four players set to leave in the next week, it has been reported.
The Gunners have already signed three players this summer and are in talks over a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, as well as expressing interest in Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus.
However, sales have been slow, with Granit Xhaka the only player to depart the club so far aside from Pablo Mari, who was obligated to under the terms of his loan at Monza.
Mikel Arteta hinted that things would speed up in the days and weeks to come following the 5-3 win over Barcelona in pre-season, admitting that his squad was ‘unsustainable’.
“We have 30 players here which is unsustainable, and obviously the market is still open,” Arteta said. “Things can happen – but we are prepared”.
Now, it looks as though things could well be happening, with as many as four departures expected in the next seven days.
Another Premier League mover is Sambi Lokonga, with the Belgian midfielder set for a reunion with former boss Vincent Kompany, now in the Premier League for the first time with Burnley. A loan move seems the most likely option, with an option to buy the player at the end of the deal also set to be included which could turn into an obligation should he play a certain number of games at Turf Moor.
Meanwhile, young winger Marquinhos is also set to depart north London on loan, with a move to Greek side Olympiacos lined up for the upcoming campaign.
Finally, it could be the end for Nicolas Pepe’s nightmare spell in north London, with the Ivory Coast international in talks over a move to Turkish side Besiktas, where he will hope to rebuild his career. It is unlikely that Arsenal would receive a fee.
