“Arsenal’s Potential Summer Sales: Four Players Who Could Bring in £130m”
As Arsenal continues to revamp their squad following a £200m summer investment, Mikel Arteta and Edu may need to offload a few fringe players to maintain financial balance. Express Sport has identified four players who could attract considerable interest, particularly from Saudi clubs, potentially generating a combined £130m.
Kieran Tierney
Once a regular starter, Kieran Tierney has seen his role diminish under Arteta, with Oleksandr Zinchenko often preferred due to his versatility in midfield. Despite Tierney’s talent, Arteta’s tactical changes might push the Scottish full-back to seek more playing time elsewhere. Newcastle and Celtic have shown interest, though they have not yet met Arsenal’s £30m asking price. However, Saudi clubs, known for their financial power, could easily meet this demand.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
After being left out of Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the US, Albert Sambi Lokonga seems surplus to requirements. Burnley, managed by his former Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany, is reportedly interested, but a permanent move remains uncertain. Arsenal turned down a £7m offer from Monaco in January, but a bid closer to £10m could facilitate his departure. Saudi clubs, with their financial backing, may surpass Burnley’s offer, allowing Arsenal to recover much of the £15m spent on Lokonga in 2021.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal is in doubt following the signing of Declan Rice, which has threatened his regular starting position. With just two years remaining on his contract, Arsenal faces a decision: extend his contract or sell now. Juventus have shown interest, but Saudi clubs may offer a more attractive deal, potentially around £40m, in line with similar transfers like Fabinho’s move to Al-Ittihad, making Saudi Arabia a likely destination.
Folarin Balogun
Despite Gabriel Jesus’s injury, Folarin Balogun’s ambition to be a first-choice striker could lead him to leave the Emirates. After an impressive loan spell at Reims, Balogun has attracted significant interest, but Arsenal’s £50m valuation has deterred clubs like Inter Milan. However, Saudi clubs, eager to invest in young, high-potential players, could swoop in to secure the talented striker, offering Arsenal a significant financial return.
A Summer of Strategic Moves
If Arsenal successfully sells all four players, they could raise around £130m, which could be reinvested into the squad or used to address financial obligations. With Saudi clubs increasingly active in the transfer market, Arsenal’s fringe players might become prime targets for lucrative offers, allowing Arteta and Edu to continue executing their vision for the team.
