Arsenal are willing to sanction a further eight exits after Granit Xhaka seals his move to Bayer Leverkusen football.london understands.
As football.london reported exclusively on Monday, the Swiss international is close to securing a €25million transfer to Xabi Alonso's side in the coming days. While the two deals are not necessarily thought to be related, it is thought that he will be given the green light to complete the move once Declan Rice completes his club-record £105million transfer from West Ham.
Rice will be Arsenal's second signing of the summer after Kai Havertz joined from Chelsea last month. Positive talks also continue with Jurrien Timber as the Gunners seek to bring in the bulk of their squad before they head off the United States for their preseason tour on July 16th. Having been pretty successful in the incomings department so far though, Edu is keen to make sure Arsenal seal significant outgoings this summer too.
football.london understands that Thomas Partey is one of the players the Gunners would be open to selling this summer if a suitable offer were to come in. The Ghanaian recently turned 30 and has just two years remaining on his contract at the Emirates. Reports have suggested that teams in Italy and Saudi Arabia have shown an interest, although it is not thought that Arsenal have received any formal offers at time of writing.
Nuno Tavares is another who is free to leave this summer if the right offer comes in. football.london understands that the 23-year-old's preference is to stay in the Premier League this season. Despite rumours of interest from West Ham though it is understood that there has been no formal or informal contract with Tavares as of yet. The Portuguese youngster is now on a two-week holiday after exiting the under-21 Euros at the quarter-final stage. It is not currently clear if he will be a part of the camp that travels to America.
Fellow loanees from last season Runar Alex Runarsson, Auston Trusty and Folarin Balogun are all also available at the right fee. Balogun has interest from teams in Europe including RB Leipzig, and it has been suggested that Arsenal have put a £50million price tag on his head. The American international is not due back at London Colney for another week after making his USMNT debut last month. He has been working with personal trainers during his time off, however.
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The same goes for Nicolas Pepe who is recovering from a knee injury that prematurely ended his loan spell with Nice. It is not clear when he is expected back from preseason training. He is another who is free to leave with just one year remaining on his deal. Preparations have been made in case a contract termination is required although Arsenal would, of course, prefer to garner a fee for their record signing.
The Gunners are also open to offers on Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cedric. The pair spent the second half of last season on loan in the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively. While Cedric is understood to be keen to stay, Arsenal will consider a sale if the right kind of deal is presented.
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