Arsenal to offload five players as Eze pursuit heats up | OneFootball

Arsenal Transfer Update: Eze Targeted as Outgoings Loom

Eze interest gathers pace

Arsenal are continuing their aggressive push in the summer transfer market, with Eberechi Eze now firmly on their radar following a productive recruitment drive. The Express reports that a £68m move for the Crystal Palace playmaker is under consideration, as Mikel Arteta looks to inject further creativity into his attacking options.

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Eze has long been admired for his ability to glide past players and dictate tempo. After hinting at a potential departure following Palace’s FA Cup win over Manchester City, the opportunity to join a Champions League contender could now become reality. With five additions already secured, including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze marks a significant statement of intent.

Fringe players expected to depart

Even with Eze potentially incoming, Arsenal’s business is far from complete. The Express outlines that the Gunners may sanction up to five player exits this summer, potentially generating a further £75m in revenue.

Among those expected to move on is Reiss Nelson. A graduate of Hale End, Nelson is reportedly in advanced talks with Fulham, following a successful loan spell. Should the move materialise, he would join Emile Smith Rowe as another academy product to make the switch across London.

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Albert Sambi Lokonga is also likely to depart. With only one year left on his contract and minimal involvement in recent seasons, Arsenal may look to recoup a fee before he becomes eligible to leave on a free transfer.

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Vieira and Zinchenko futures uncertain

Fabio Vieira’s Arsenal career has yet to gain traction. After an underwhelming spell back at Porto last season, the midfielder’s future remains uncertain. Another exit, permanent or temporary, looks increasingly probable.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko, once a key component in Arteta’s tactical setup, has fallen down the pecking order at left-back. With Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly now preferred, the Ukrainian international may explore a move in search of regular football.

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Trossard situation reflects squad evolution

The final name in the departure bracket is perhaps the most unexpected: Leandro Trossard. The Belgian has been a reliable contributor since arriving from Brighton in 2023, but squad evolution and the arrival of Madueke, plus the potential signing of Eze, may leave him surplus to requirements.

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While nothing is yet confirmed, the Express suggests that the Gunners are weighing up his future carefully.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This summer has been a whirlwind of ambition and ruthlessness. Arsenal fans will rightly feel excited by the calibre of players being targeted. The Eze link signals intent to compete not just in England but in Europe, and his creativity could be transformative if he stays fit and finds rhythm under Arteta.

However, it’s the outgoings that will raise eyebrows. Reiss Nelson’s potential exit is understandable, but Zinchenko and Trossard have been key parts of recent success. The shifting of those figures may risk losing dressing room balance and Premier League experience. That said, if Arsenal truly want to elevate themselves to title-winning status, tough decisions are inevitable.

Arteta’s willingness to refresh and modernise the squad again reflects a clarity of vision. The Gunners are not merely planning for next season, but building a core capable of sustaining a challenge for years. While fans will be nostalgic about academy graduates leaving or favourites potentially moving on, there’s growing belief that Arsenal are positioning themselves for sustained excellence.