Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirms exits of four players – Official…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has announced the departure of four players.

As the transfer window approaches, the club is preparing for a hectic summer.

Their recent 1-0 victory against Newcastle United secured a second-place finish in the Premier League for the third consecutive year, extending their wait for a championship title to 22 seasons when the new campaign kicks off in August.

To overcome the ‘always the bridesmaid’ stigma, Arsenal is gearing up for an active transfer period.

While the focus will primarily be on acquiring a new striker, Arteta is also anticipating several exits, revealing post-match that up to five players may leave this summer.

‘We must be strategic in our decisions,’ the Spaniard stated during his post-match press conference regarding the upcoming transfer window.

‘Clearly, we need to strengthen the squad as it is currently thin, especially with four or five players set to depart due to contract expirations and loan completions.

We need to be precise and disciplined in our approach to ensure we are competitive next season.’

Among those likely to leave are Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, both nearing the end of their contracts.

They made late appearances against Newcastle for a final farewell at the Emirates.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Jorginho is set to join Flamengo in Brazil, while Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Tierney’s return to the club.

‘We had a few players in the dressing room who may have worn that shirt for the last time at the Emirates,’ Arteta reflected on the midfielder and left-back. ‘I understand their situation and am very thankful for their contributions.’

Raheem Sterling and Neto are expected to return to their parent clubs, Chelsea and Bournemouth, respectively, after their loan spells.

Sterling made 16 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal following his loan transfer on deadline day, while Neto, the backup goalkeeper, featured only twice in the league this season.

As these players prepare to leave, Arsenal is in discussions with Thomas Partey regarding a new contract, according to The Athletic.

The Ghanaian midfielder’s current contract is set to expire this summer, and he is reportedly open to a new two-year agreement or a one-year deal with an option for an additional year.

However, he may explore other opportunities if a deal cannot be reached.

FourFourTwo reports that Partey is among the highest earners in the Arsenal squad and might need to accept a pay reduction with the expected signing of Martin Zubimendi.