Reports abound that Arsenal are set to let three players leave in the summer.

All of them midfielders.

Abou Diaby is out of contract and while Arsene Wenger would hand the Frenchman a new contract in a heartbeat if he could even hint at being able to overcome his injury problems, there seems to be no signs of that and, no doubt with a heavy heart, Wenegr seems set to wave goodbye to the kid he signed in 2006 who was broken just a few months later.

Mathieu Flamini is also out of contract and seems as if he’s on his way as well although there will be significantly fewer tears over this one.

The Flamster was a signing more of opportunity than anything else – right place, right time and right proce (free), he has lost his place to the younger Francis Coquelin and bar his ability to run lots, point even more and shout really loudly, he offers little to the side.

The final name on the list is that of club captain, Mikel Arteta although I’m not entirely sure this one is quite as clear cut as many in the media are making it seem.

Promoted just last summer he is certainly on the wane and his injuries are a concern, but could Wenger really let another captain go just 12 months after handing him the armband?

Plus there’s the fact that his agent announced a new contract extension for the Spaniard not that long ago, but that has yet to be confirmed by the club.

Arsenal have finally arrived at a place where the only players leaving, for the most part, are ones who have no further role to play at the club.

That could be said of Diaby and Flamini but it’s doubtful that Arteta’s time is winding down just yet.