Arteta plans to sell Xhaka, Tierney, and Balogun to raise funds for summer signings like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, strengthening Arsenal’s squad.
- Arsenal planning to sell Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, and Folarin Balogun to raise funds for summer signings
- Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are top transfer targets, potentially costing £150 million
- Surprising decision to sell Xhaka, given his impressive season in the Premier League
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly preparing to offload three players – Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, and Folarin Balogun – to raise funds for summer signings.
With the Premier League title slipping away from the Gunners’ grasp this season, Arteta and technical director Edu are keen on strengthening the squad, and making some tough decisions is inevitable.
Arsenal’s primary target this summer is West Ham United captain Declan Rice, while Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo remains on the wish list.
Securing the services of these two players could cost as much as £150 million, which might consume a significant portion of the club’s summer budget.
Considering Arsenal needs to reinforce other areas of the pitch, selling players to raise funds will be important.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are open to offers for Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney, and Folarin Balogun is also expected to be sold.
Combined, those three players could bring in around €90m/£80m.
The departure of Balogun and Tierney is unsurprising, as neither player is likely to be the first choice at Arsenal next season.
However, the decision to sell Xhaka will raise eyebrows. The 30-year-old Swiss international has had an impressive season in the Premier League, and his stock is currently higher than it was last summer and he’s actually valued at €3m more than the much younger Tierney.
With potential replacements in Rice or Caicedo, Arsenal might be ready to cash in on Xhaka at this opportune time.
Arteta has not yet commented on the matter and is unlikely to do so in any significant manner, but the reported decision to sell these players highlights the challenges faced by the club in their pursuit of strengthening the squad.
Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the summer transfer window approaches, eager to see how Arsenal navigates the challenges of improving the team while managing their budget.
Sagna advises Tierney to fight for Arsenal place
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has urged Kieran Tierney to fight for his place in Mikel Arteta’s line-up, emphasising the importance of perseverance and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Sagna also reflected on the benefits of playing in a competitive environment and shares his own career decisions.
Leipzig to pass on Balogun if Arsenal demand €40m
RB Leipzig will reportedly walk away from signing Folarin Balogun if Arsenal stick to a minimum asking price of €40m.
According to Philipp Hinze of Sky Sports, Leipzig consider the fee too expensive and may look to sign Lois Openda from Ligue 1 club Lens instead. Balogun, currently on loan at Stade de Reims, has scored 19 goals and provided two assists in 33 appearances.
The 21-year-old striker is against another loan spell and wants to play as a first-choice striker next season, either at Arsenal or another club.
With AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, and AS Monaco showing interest, Balogun is pushing Arsenal to make a decision on his future.