Arsenal sit nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, leading what has become a compelling two-horse title race with Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side have also progressed deep into the UEFA Champions League, reaching the quarter-finals where they face Sporting CP, making 2025-26 potentially the most significant season in their recent history.
After consecutive campaigns of pushing for the Premier League title before losing out to Liverpool last term, Arsenal entered this season looking to take that final step towards domestic and European glory, spending heavily in the process. Yet even as trophies beckon, the business of restructuring the squad quietly continues behind the scenes, with several players potentially playing out their final weeks in north London.
Even the most ambitious seasons carry within them the seeds of change, and Arsenal’s summer of 2026 looks set to bring a significant wave of departures. Sporting director Andrea Berta, formerly of Atletico Madrid, has been tasked with improving the transfer fees Arsenal receive when selling players.
5 players who could leave Arsenal in the summer of 2026:
1. Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian winger’s story at Arsenal has taken a bittersweet turn. The 24-year-old has seen his role diminish in recent months, often featuring from the bench behind Leandro Trossard, and is no longer guaranteed a starting place in Arteta’s evolving side. Arsenal opened the door to his departure on March 29, and TEAMtalk confirmed on March 31 that the club set his asking price at £50 million. PSG have since enquired about his availability, while Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Marseille all monitor the situation closely. Martinelli himself wants to keep playing Champions League football and wants to be a key player at his next club, which narrows the field of realistic destinations.
2. Gabriel Jesus
The two Brazilian forwards have started only 11 Premier League matches combined this campaign, and Arsenal will not stand in their way if they wish to leave north London this summer. Jesus carries a £30 million price tag and could leave Europe altogether, potentially joining a major Brazilian side such as Palmeiras or Flamengo. His Arsenal exit looks increasingly inevitable following Kai Havertz’s confirmation of his own future plans at the club.
3. Ben White
Ben White, signed for £50 million from Brighton, has been linked with an exit due to a lack of game time this season, and reports from The Sun suggest he is keen to move elsewhere at the end of the campaign. Eddie Howe is described as a big fan of the right-back, with a potential move to Newcastle mooted, while Leeds have also been linked in reports describing Arsenal’s possible summer fire sale. His contract runs until June 2028, making this summer one of Arsenal’s last realistic chances to command a substantial fee.
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4. Christian Nørgaard
The Denmark midfielder joined from Brentford only last summer, but his time at the Emirates has largely passed him by. Nørgaard has yet to start a single Premier League game due to Martin Zubimendi’s form and is looking to move on. Lazio, Ajax, and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs said to have taken a look at the 32-year-old over the winter window, with reports suggesting Arsenal want to add a new midfielder this summer, which could squeeze Nørgaard out entirely.
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5. Leandro Trossard
Trossard enters the final year of his contract this summer, and selling him now might represent Arsenal’s last chance to recoup a meaningful fee before his value declines further. Newcastle and Aston Villa are among the clubs linked with a bid, and Saudi sides are also said to be interested, with £25 million suggested as an asking price. Despite his contributions this season, the Belgian winger’s age profile and contract situation make him a natural candidate for the exit door as Arteta looks to freshen up his attacking options.
