This summer's transfer window is an important one for Arsenal.
Not only have Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar been tasked with overseeing the necessary incomings and outgoings to ensure the Gunners are better equipped to challenge for the Premier League title once again but decisions must be made with regard to senior players out of contract very soon.
After seeing the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and, imminently Ainsley Maitland-Niles, all depart on free transfers in recent years, in an ideal world the north London outfit will avoid losing more stars next summer without receiving a single penny in return.
Having said that, Arsenal have already begun the process to avoid this particular scenario. As per transfermarkt, William Saliba, Granit Xhaka and Nicolas Pepe are three of eight senior players who, as things currently stand, have entered the final 12 months of their deals at the Emirates Stadium.
However, football.london understands the trio's fates have already been decided as a verbal agreement is in place with Saliba over a new four-year contract, Xhaka is expected to leave and join Bayer Leverkusen in a £13million deal whilst Pepe is free to leave whether that be through a permanent transfer or contract termination.
Although there is the possibility of five other first-team players leaving on a free transfer this time next summer if a new deal cannot be agreed by then. As a result, football.london takes a look who Arteta and Edu will decide the fates of before the transfer window closes.
Jorginho
Transfer value: £17.2million (CIES Football Observatory)
The Italy international signed a short-term deal with Arsenal upon completing a £12million transfer in the January window and there has been talk of him moving on this summer with Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri reportedly interested in a reunion. There is a one-year extension option in his contract and it remains to be seen if it gets triggered.
READ MORE: Arsenal's second summer transfer is announced as youngster completes season-long loan deal
Rob Holding
Transfer value: £12.8million
With Arsenal interested in signing Jurrien Timber from Ajax this summer, one can only assume that Rob Holding will slip even further down the pecking order in central defence as a result. He too is said to have an additional 12-month extension option in his contract, but this summer could be the Gunners' best chance to command a decent transfer fee.
Mohamed Elneny
Transfer value: £4.3million
Despite signing a new contract earlier in the year, Mohamed Elneny will be free to speak with overseas teams from next January as his deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season. With Arsenal set to overhaul their midfield this summer, the Egypt international may not feature too much and it could be a case that he leaves when his contract expires.
Cedric Soares
Transfer value: £4.3million
As reported by football.london, Cedric Soares is keen to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place. Perhaps he will perform a U-turn if Timber joins the club as it's difficult to imagine the Portuguese defender getting many minutes next season with Arteta spoilt for choices in both full-back positions.
Runar Alex Runarsson
Transfer value: £4.3million
Despite a decent loan spell with Alanyaspor, Runar Alex Runarsson doesn't have a long-term future at the club, especially with Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner ahead of him so it's almost certain that he will leave permanently this summer. Although, valued at £4.3million, it could be tough for Edu to get a fee for him.
Who should Arsenal keep or sell this summer? Have your say below!
