The Gunners plan a summer clear-out in order to challenge for the title next year.
Arsenal secured Champions League football for the 15th consecutive season on Sunday with a 0-1 win over Newcastle putting them one point ahead of rivals Tottenham in the Premier League.
Yet it was another trophy-less season for the Gunners, having not picked up any silverware since their 2005 FA Cup win and the squad looks set for a serious shake-up as a result.
According to the Mirror no less than 10 players are due to exit the Emirates this season, saving £350,000 a week in salaries, as a makeweight for new signings.
Whilst last summer’s signings Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski all had good campaigns at the club – in differing measures – the old guard in North London look set for an upheaval.
The biggest movers are likely to be forwards Andrei Arshavin and Gervinho, with LA Galaxy and Lyon interested respectively.
Likewise, right-back Bacary Sagna looks like another on Arsene Wenger’s list to be axed from the fourth-placed side, with Juventus star Stephan Lichsteiner touted as his replacement.
Also reportedly on their way out are Marouane Chamakh, Nicklas Bendtner, Park Chu-Young, Andre Santos, Denilson, Johan Djourou and Thomas Vermaelen.
These exits could see a real change in the way the Gunners line-up in the 2013/14 season and with top European football secured, the Emirates is going to be a much more desirable destination for potential transfer targets.
A deal to bring in AJ Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo on a free seems as good as done, but it’s probable Wenger also wants a three further key signings in goal, midfield and up-front.
Shortlisted goalkeepers include Asmir Begovic, Julio Cesar and Simon Mignolet, whilst the Gunners also have their eye on forwards Edison Cavani and Stevan Jovetic.
COMMENTS