Arsenal could be set for a busy summer in terms of both arrivals and departures, and some unpopular exits may be inevitable.
With Mikel Arteta’s side challenging for the title, and expecting to do so again next season, top-level reinforcements would help them in this regard, and several exits will be necessary to facilitate this.
It already appears that the homegrown trio of Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe could all leave, with their potential sales giving Arsenal a major boost when it comes to profit and sustainability rules.
Other departures of popular players such as Aaron Ramsdale could also make way for new signings, and there is expected to be another in midfield, as a defensive midfielder could leave to make way for key Arteta target Martin Zubimendi.
Jorginho or Thomas Partey could leave Arsenal this summer
Journalist David Ornstein has now told The Athletic that he expects one of Jorginho or Thomas Partey to depart Arsenal this summer.
“I’d expect one of Thomas Partey and Jorginho to leave this summer. Perhaps that might be Partey because he could raise some money,” he stated.
“But I don’t say that with certainty because, when Partey plays, we know how important he is. We also don’t know what Jorginho will decide to do himself, given his contract is expiring.
“Arsenal would love to keep him but this is one of many areas that needs to be resolved.”
Arsenal should keep Jorginho over Thomas Partey
Arsenal are in talks to give Jorginho a new contract, whilst there is reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia in Partey, and this scenario would be the better one for Arteta to pursue.
Although at his best Partey offers more to the midfield in terms of physicality, his injury record means he simply cannot be relied upon.
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Jorginho is a top professional, and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the dressing room, and has impressed as a starter in recent months.
The ideal scenario would be a new contract for Jorginho, a sale of Partey to boost the transfer funds, and clear his salary from the wage bill, and to then sign another number six such as Zubimendi who could rotate with the Italian.