Arsenal could be forced to embark on a relentless summer following a potentially historic campaign, with the Gunners still on course for an unprecedented quadruple title.
“This article was originally published in SI FC“
The spending that has facilitated their success under Mikel Arteta could lead to financial problems, with some reports suggesting that one or two big sales could be necessary to balance the books and ensure Arsenal comply with UEFA and Premier League financial rules.
Arteta, without a doubt, has his “untouchable players”, among whom are Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel and Declan Rice. However, The Gunners also have high-value assets that could be sold, not only to ease the financial burden but also to ensure the club can continue to build on its achievements. in the final stretch of the 2025/26 season.
Below are the four big-name players Arsenal could consider selling this summer, ranked by the likelihood and feel of each departure.
4. Kai Havertz
Arsenal paid a fortune for Kai Havertz in 2023 and, according to Capology, the German remains the club’s highest-paid player.
Initially signed to replace Granit Xhaka in midfield, Havertz has established himself as Arsenal’s point of reference in attack. Arteta loves his physique, his relentless energy out of possession and his ability to win duels. In addition, he usually scores the occasional great goal.
Despite the signing of Viktor Gyökeres last summer, Havertz is a much better fit as a center forward in Arteta’s team, but his 2025/26 season has been affected by injuries.
Havertz missed several months earlier this season with a knee injury and has recently suffered a muscle problem, from which he has now recovered.
The role he plays down the stretch could help shape his future, with the club unlikely to abandon Gyökeres after just one season.
3. Myles Lewis-Skelly
The importance of “net profit” cannot be overlooked when defining the transfer strategy, and Arsenal could resort to the sale of a promising young youth player to overcome financial difficulties.
The Gunners have two potential stars in their ranks in Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom are enjoying dazzling campaigns in the 2024/25 season. However, neither has been particularly involved this season, with the former on loan at Marseille and the latter struggling to start outside of domestic cup competitions.
Given another major sale Arsenal could make, retaining Nwaneri makes sense. However, the Gunners have two veteran left-backs competing for minutes with Lewis-Skelly, and Arteta appears not to trust the midfielder in his natural position.
Despite the promise he showed last season, selling Lewis-Skelly could make sense. He will no doubt have plenty of suitors, both in England and abroad, and Arsenal should feel confident of getting a good deal.
2. Gabriel Martinelli
If there is one position that Arsenal will want to improve this summer, it is undoubtedly left winger. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have once again been the two main options, but both have disappointed.
Martinelli has performed in the cups, but the Brazilian has not evolved as many fans expected after an excellent 2022/23 season, a season that is already remembered with a certain nostalgia despite Arsenal’s continued excellence with Arteta at the helm.
The hunched Martinelli certainly has his advantages, but the lack of improvement means it could be time for the Gunners to step up. Saudi Pro League clubs have previously been linked with a lucrative deal, and Martinelli, given he is only 24, should be able to command a high enough figure to make his sale sensible.
1. Martin Ødegaard
There was a time when it was impossible to imagine Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal without Martin Ødegaard.
The captain, who emerged as one of the Premier League’s best after two consecutive excellent seasons with a title-contending Gunners team, has seen his influence in north London wane over the past two years.
Arsenal had to get used to playing without Ødegaard last season, and there is no doubt that their injury problems contributed to their evolution into a more seasoned team, even more dependent on physicality and dominance from set pieces.
There is a sense that this Arsenal team has evolved beyond its captain, who lacks power in transition and drifts more than he used to in games.
Selling it, regardless of the price, would have been considered blasphemy not long ago, but more and more fans have embraced the idea, especially with Nwaneri and Max Dowman trying to break through.
Ødegaard would undoubtedly thrive at one of the continent’s possession giants, but Arsenal have every right to demand a high transfer fee. This may limit his ability to sell to a non-Premier League rival.
