Leno was Arsenals’ first choice goalkeeper when the season began but lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale, who was signed from Sheffield United
By Kehinde Okeowo
French striker, Alexandre Lacazette, German goalkeeper Bernd Leno and 7 other players are expected to leave Arsenal this summer, as Mikel Arteta tries to raise funds for new signings.
The North London club finished fifth in the just concluded 2021-22 season, having narrowly lost fourth place to arch-rivals, Spurs on the final day.
This implies they missed out on UEFA Champions League (UCL) place and will be playing in the Europa League next season.
Arsenal have a host of players currently out on loan, though majority of them do not have a future at the club, and the gaffer, Arteta intends to cash in.
ALSO READ: Chelsea targets Sterling despite dire need for defenders
According to The Sun, UK, the London outfit are aiming to raise around £60million from the sales of their fringe players– and significantly trim their wage bill ahead of next season.
Apart from Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah who are leaving on a free, a lot of the players on loan are expected to be sold to provide the much needed funds.
These players include Matteo Guendouzi and Konstantinos Mavropanos, who are on loan to Marseille and Stuttgart, respectively, others are Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Bernd Leno, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Pablo Mari.
A decision is yet to be taken about the futures of William Saliba and Reiss Nelson, who have impressed at Marseille and Feyenoord, and they could be reintegrated into the squad.
Arteta is also expected to add three academy prospects, Charlie Patino, Miguel Azeez, and Omari Hutchinson, who he rates very highly to his squad next season.