26 August 2023 , 11:58
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Mikel Arteta is looking to raise around £100million by letting several players leave Arsenal before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal have spent more than £200m this summer to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea, Jurrien Timber from Ajax, Declan Rice from West Ham and David Raya from Brentford. Yet they now need to recuperate some of that cash before Friday's transfer deadline.
Folarin Balogun is set to join Monaco in a £34m deal, while Kieran Tierney is heading to Real Sociedad on loan. Rob Holding, Cedric Soares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Nicolas Pepe could also leave the Emirates in the coming days.
But one player who is going nowhere is Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian failed to start both of Arsenal's first two Premier League games of the new season against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace and is thought to be a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Yet Arteta ended speculation during his pre-match press conference on Friday, with Arsenal taking on Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday. "Gabi is a really important player for us and there is nothing going on with that at the moment," said the Gunners boss.
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What makes Arteta's reaction more interesting is that he wasn't as dismissive when asked about Balogun and Tierney. "There are some movements, but we cannot be dragged into individuals because there is nothing concrete yet," he said on Balogun.
When a similar question was asked about Tierney, Arteta's response was: "Again, there are things that are not resolved yet. When that is the matter, we will tell you."
Yet Arteta was more willing to provide more information about his £100m plan, insisting he would be "really, really busy" over the coming days trying to get players out of the door. "There are some movements happening," added the Spaniard.
Gabriel Magalhaes is staying at Arsenal (Clive Rose/Getty)Who do you think Arsenal should sell? Let us know in the comments below!
While Balogun's and Tierney's futures appear to be resolved, it's unclear where some of Arsenal's other unwanted stars will end up. Lokonga was expected to join Burnley earlier this summer, but Brighton now seems to be his likeliest destination.
Pepe became Arsenal's record signing when he joined from Lille in a £72m deal four years ago, but he's struggling to find a new club. It's believed there is some interest from Saudi Arabia, with their transfer window closing on September 20.
Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Tavares, who spent last season on loan at Marseille. The young left-back did well in France, but not well enough to become part of Arteta's plans again. Forest are also thought to be weighing up a move.
Soares hasn't played for Arsenal this season, yet there doesn't seem to be many clubs interested in the Portugal international. Besiktas have been trying to sign Holding throughout the summer, but the Turkish giants are yet to agree a transfer fee with Arsenal.