Arsenal’s squad for their pre-season tour of the US has been released and a huge hint has been dropped that three players may leave teh club. Despite being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, Thomas Partey is named in the team and is expected to link up with his teammates at a later date.
Mikel Arteta has made it his mission to continue rebuilding Arsenal this season, despite how well his side performed last season when competing for the Premier League title. Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber have all arrived already this summer, and further investment is anticipated.
Though Arteta already appears to be making it clear who he is looking to part ways with before the 2023/24 campaign gets underway. In a telling announcement, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cedric have all not been named in Arsenal’s squad list for their pre-season tour.
Their announcement read: “The players who are not part of the squad will be working hard on their fitness and/or recovering from injury.” Emile Smith Rowe and Partey were also not named on the list, but the duo are set to link up with the team next week. The latter has attracted interest from several Saudi Pro League sides recently and reports have speculated that the Ghana international is keen to make the move to the Middle East, though Arsenal will demand a significant fee for his services – which they do not appear to anticipate imminently given the ex-Atletico Madrid star is set to travel to the US.
Pepe has struggled since making his £72million switch to the Emirates Stadium in 2019, with a loan spell at Nice last season not convincing the higher powers at the club that the winger has a future at the club despite scoring six in 19 league appearances.
Several sides from around Europe have been linked with the 28-year-old over the past few months, however, a concrete bid is yet to be tabled for his services and it remains to be seen how much Arsenal are set to demand for the Ivorian international.
Cedric also spent last season out on loan, joining Fulham in the January transfer window. Despite his desire to fight for his place in north London, Arsenal are not preparing for his inclusion next season – with new signing Timber providing the required depth in right-back that was desired. The Portuguese international only has 12 months left of his contract with Arsenal and is unlikely to raise major funds.
Lokonga also enjoyed a Premier League loan last season, joining Gunners legend Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace in January. The Belgian performed admirably in the heart of the Eagles’ midfield, yet further improvement will be required if the midfielder is to forge a career with the Gunners. Burnley are among those to have registered an interest in Lokonga, with manager Vincent Kompany at the helm of Anderlecht before green-lighting the playmaker’s exit to Arsenal.
