Arsenal will let Stephan Lichtsteiner leave for free this summer, after deciding against activating the option to extend his contract for another season.

Goal report that they understand Lichtsteiner will leave the club this summer, despite Arsenal having that option to extend the right-back’s contract for another season. The 35-year-old has made 22 appearances for Unai Emery’s side this campaign, but only one since the start of March, despite being fit to play.

With Ainsley Maitland-Niles suspended and Hector Bellerin still injured, Lichtsteiner made that one appearance at the weekend in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton. He was hardly the Gunners’ worst performer on the day, but failing to get the win in such a crucial game did nothing to enhance the Swiss international’s reputation in North London.

It seems Arsenal have decided they’re better off putting faith in youth or signing a new backup to Bellerin, rather than extending Lichtsteiner’s deal.

It’s rather disappointing that the likes of Jordi Osei-Tutu and Vontae Daley-Campbell have been impressing with the academy whilst Carl Jenkinson and Lichtsteiner have been so poor, yet the youth duo are yet to play a senior minute.

Lichtsteiner will join Aaron Ramsey, Petr Cech and Danny Welbeck in leaving on free transfers this summer.