Arsenal's Superstar Exodus: Ranking the Four Big Names Most Likely to Leave

Arsenal might need to conduct a merciless summer transfer window following what could be a groundbreaking season, as the Gunners remain in contention for an extraordinary quadruple achievement.

The investment that has enabled their prosperity under Mikel Arteta's leadership might result in financial complications, with sources indicating that one or two major departures could be required to maintain fiscal balance and ensure Arsenal meets both UEFA and Premier League financial regulations.

Arteta certainly has his essential players, with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel and Declan Rice considered fundamental pieces in north London. Nevertheless, the Gunners possess valuable assets that could be transferred, not only to alleviate financial pressure, but also to guarantee the club can advance whatever they accomplish during the remainder of 2025–26.

Below are four prominent players Arsenal might contemplate selling this summer, ordered by both probability and the logic behind each potential exit.

4. Kai Havertz

Arsenal invested significantly in Kai Havertz during 2023, and according to Capology, the German continues to be the club's top earner.

Originally acquired to fill Granit Xhaka's midfield position, Havertz has subsequently developed into Arsenal's primary striker. Arteta appreciates his physical presence, tireless defensive work rate and aerial dominance. He also contributes crucial goals when needed.

Despite signing Viktor Gyökeres last summer, Havertz is much more compatible with the striker position in Arteta's system, though his 2025–26 season has been hampered by fitness issues.

Though cherished by the manager, there's a possibility that his injury concerns could prompt the Gunners into an unexpected sale. Havertz was sidelined for multiple months earlier this campaign due to a knee problem and has recently dealt with a muscle injury, from which he has now recovered.

His performance during the final stretch could influence his future, as the club is unlikely to abandon Gyökeres after only one season.

3. Myles Lewis-Skelly

The significance of 'complete profit' cannot be underestimated when developing transfer plans, and Arsenal might turn to selling an academy graduate to resolve any financial constraints.

They've employed this approach previously, with players like Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun leaving the club for a total of $129 million.

The Gunners have two promising talents in their squad, with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly experiencing breakthrough seasons in 2024–25. However, neither has featured prominently this campaign, with the former currently loaned to Marseille and the latter finding limited starting opportunities beyond domestic cup matches.

Considering another significant sale Arsenal could execute, keeping Nwaneri appears logical. However, the Gunners have two established left-backs competing for playing time ahead of Lewis-Skelly, and Arteta apparently lacks confidence in the midfielder's preferred role.

Despite showing potential last season, parting with Lewis-Skelly could be reasonable. He will undoubtedly attract numerous interested clubs, both domestically and internationally, and Arsenal should be optimistic about commanding a substantial transfer fee.

2. Gabriel Martinelli

If there's one area Arsenal will prioritize strengthening this summer, it must be the left flank. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have again served as the primary choices, but both have disappointed.

Martinelli has performed well in cup competitions, but the Brazilian hasn't progressed as much as many fans anticipated following his outstanding 2022–23 season—a campaign now remembered with some wistfulness despite Arsenal's continued success under Arteta's guidance.

The direct-running Martinelli certainly offers value, but his stagnant development suggests it might be appropriate for the Gunners to seek alternatives. Saudi Pro League teams have previously shown interest in a profitable deal, and Martinelli, being only 24, should generate a sufficient fee to justify his departure.

The Gunners could pursue an established star as his successor, with Trossard also potentially facing the exit door.

1. Martin Ødegaard

There was a period when envisioning Mikel Arteta's Arsenal without Martin Ødegaard seemed impossible.

The captain, who became one of the Premier League's finest players during consecutive exceptional seasons for a title-challenging Gunners side, has experienced diminished impact in north London over recent years.

Arsenal had to adapt to functioning without Ødegaard last season, and his fitness problems certainly contributed to their transformation into a more robust team even more dependent on physicality and set-piece excellence.

There's a feeling that this Arsenal squad has progressed beyond its captain, who lacks pace in transitions and appears less influential in matches than previously.

Transferring him, regardless of the fee, would have been considered unthinkable not long ago, but more supporters have warmed to the concept, particularly with Nwaneri and Max Dowman seeking breakthrough opportunities.

Ødegaard would certainly flourish at one of the possession-focused giants across Europe, but Arsenal have every justification to demand a substantial fee, which might restrict their options to sell to a non-Premier League competitor.