by Whether Arsenal win the Premier League title or not, another big summer awaits at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are already making plans for the transfer window, and both Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have a clear vision of what is needed to ensure the club continues its upward trajectory.
The Gunners are set to target a top-class forward and a new midfielder as they look to ensure they continue to compete for the biggest trophies again next season. They will also target a new defender and are likely to be in the market for a new goalkeeper.
Decisions will also be made about the future of the players in the squad. Who should wait? Who should go? And which academy players could step up and make an impact?
Here, Standard Sport assess which first-team players Arsenal should keep and which they should offload this summer.
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale: It is better for all parties that he moves on. Too good to be a No2 and needs regular football to cement his place in the England squad as Arsenal assess their goalkeeper options in the market. SELL
David Raya: He got off to a shaky start after retrieving Ramsdale, but he repaid Arteta’s faith in him and was the penalty hero against Porto. His loan move is set to become permanent for £27 million. KEEP
Karl Hein: The 21-year-old Estonian No1 is a good prospect and fine as third choice behind two more experienced goalkeepers. The question will only be if he pushes away in pursuit of more regular football. KEEP
Defendants
Gabriel: A complete rock at the back and he has built a great partnership with William Saliba. At 26 years of age he will be at peace. KEEP
Jakub Kiwior: He has taken a long time to adapt to English football since joining last January, but has shown some promise in recent weeks filling in at left-back. KEEP
William Saliba: One of the best defenders around and the only Arsenal player to play every minute in the Premier League this season. Contender for player of the year. KEEP
Cedric Soares: Free to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. This season has barely been seen and a fresh start is needed elsewhere. SELL
Nuno Tavares: On loan at Nottingham Forest and recently broke into the team under Nuno Espirito Santo, which should help Arsenal get a reasonable transfer fee for him.SELL
Ciaran Tierney: Loyal servant but not suited to Arteta’s system and should attract interest from plenty of clubs after solid loan spell at Real Sociedad. SELL
Jurrien Timber: His first season has been ruined by injury, but he is highly anticipated and will be a key player next season. KEEP
Toghiro Tomiyasu: To award a new long-term contract, and rightly so. He has gone from a squad player to a pretty regular starter. KEEP
Ben White: One of the best right-backs in the Premier League, his ability to cover in the center of the back makes him a valuable asset. A new contract has been signed until 2028.KEEP
Oleksandr Zinchenko: He shares an opinion but few players are better on the ball when they are fit. How Arteta wants to play is still crucial. KEEP
Middle of the field
Mohamed Elneny: His contract expires at the end of the season and he should be released. He was a loyal servant and a coaching role would one day make sense.SELL
Kai Havertz: Many felt £65m last summer was outrageous but Arteta has unlocked his talent. Signed to play as a No 8 but could end up as a striker. KEEP
Albert Sambi Lokonga: The 24-year-old Belgian has impressed on loan at Luton this season but will struggle for minutes at Arsenal, so he better move on. SELL
Jorginho: The Italian is out of contract in the summer but Arsenal should be fighting to keep him. He brings so much experience and control in midfield. KEEP
Martin Odegaard: Club captain and an excellent player to build the team around. He was handed a long-term contract at the start of the season and could become an Arsenal legend. KEEP
Thomas Partey: He only has one year left on his contract, so this summer feels like the right time to cash in on a player still plagued by injuries. SELL
Declan Rice: Has more than justified his £105m transfer fee and is proving to be an elite midfielder. Another contender for player of the year and is captain in waiting. KEEP
Emile Smith Rowe: His career has stalled, partly due to injuries, and he feels it’s best if he moves on. Too talented to be left warming the bench. SELL
Fabio Vieira: Two years into his Arsenal career and still no progress. Injuries have plagued him this season, so he deserves one more year to prove himself. KEEP
Forward
Gabriel Jesus: Injured this season, but he is an excellent player on his day, despite his lack of goals. However, a big season is needed next year to silence the growing doubters. KEEP
Gabriel Martinelli: It was a slow start to the season, but the Brazilian player is now looking close to his best again. Still only 22 and his speed makes him a deadly attack weapon.KEEP
Reiss Nelson: He has not started a Premier League game since 2020 and, although he has had the occasional bright cameo, he certainly wants to play more regular football. SELL
Eddie Nketiah: It could be argued that the striker is fourth choice, given the form of Havertz and Leandro Trossard, and needs to move for the sake of his career. SELL
Bukayo Saka: One of the best forwards in Europe and a true superstar. Still only 22 and looks like he could be one of the best players in the world. KEEP
Leandro Trossard: Arsenal’s second top scorer this season with 11 goals, despite not always starting. Can play anywhere across the front line and is a key member of the squad. KEEP
