Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that he will trim his first-team squad before the close of the summer transfer window. The likes of Wojciech Szczesny and Yaya Sanogo have left the club this summer whilst Emiliano Martinez was recently loaned out to Spanish club Getafe.
The Gunners clinched their third Community Shield title in four seasons following a penalty shootout win over Chelsea with scores tied 1-1 in normal time, and following the game, Wenger admitted that he expects a few players leaving the club this month.
“To be honest it is too high,” Wenger told reporters h/t Evening Standard. “We will let some players go because too much competition for places is detrimental.”
“Not enough competition for places is detrimental as well. I agree that 33 [sic] is too high.”
Although the number is stated as 33, the Gunner’s official website puts the figure at 32. A number of players have been linked with proposed moves from the Emirates, but the club’s reluctance to accept a cut-price deal has stalled progress on their exits.
Kieran Gibbs has attracted interest from a long list of Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and Watford, but he will be expected to be shown the exit door following competition from the likes of Sead Kolasinac and probably Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at left wing-back.
Meanwhile, Lucas Perez and Calum Chambers could also be on the cusp of leaving the FA Cup holders with the latter seemingly close to a move to Crystal Palace which is being held up due to the final valuation.
Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson were recently participating for Arsenal XI vs Boreham Wood, and Wenger will hope to offload their services this month with both having struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
A couple of key first-team players including Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also been linked with summer exits, but Wenger will be hopeful that they will stay with the promise of regular first-team football during the course of the season.
