Arsenal plan eight-player summer clear-out to fund transfer targets
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing to sell up to eight first-team players this summer to fund a £200m squad rebuild following a narrow miss in the title race.
The north London club fell just short of a historic domestic and European double, prompting the Spanish coach to streamline his options ahead of the new campaign.
High-profile attacking targets such as Julian Alvarez and Morgan Rogers have been heavily linked with an audacious move to Emirates Stadium.
Securing those signatures could cost the Gunners upwards of £200m, necessitating a significant summer fire-sale to balance the books.
High-profile departures expected
Reports suggest several established names could be sacrificed to finance the incoming transfers.
Attacking trio Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are reportedly at risk, with their current contracts entering their final years in July.
Offers will also be entertained for defensive stalwart Ben White, highly-rated prospect Ethan Nwaneri, and midfielder Christian Norgaard.
Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are expected to depart permanently following their respective loan spells away from the capital.
Scholes backs Rashford move
Alongside Bournemouth prospect Eli Junior Kroupi, Arsenal have also been touted as a potential destination for Marcus Rashford.
The England international is widely expected to leave Manchester United this summer, though his preferred destination is reportedly Barcelona.
However, with the Catalan giants already securing Anthony Gordon, a switch to Spain appears increasingly complicated for the 26-year-old forward.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes believes a move to north London would perfectly suit the struggling attacker.
“Barcelona have a deal in place to buy him but I think they’re trying to get him cheaper.”
Speaking on a podcast, the former Premier League champion insisted the Gunners should capitalise on the ongoing uncertainty.
“That would be a great move, a great move for both parties. I think Arsenal would be a great move for him and the club.”