Five Arsenal Players Face Uncertain Futures as Arteta Prepares Summer Overhaul

Mikel Arteta has built a reputation for making ruthless squad decisions when the moment demands it. The Arsenal boss has already demonstrated his willingness to move on established names—Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang among them—whenever he identifies upgrades or senses the right time for departures.

This summer promises more of the same. Multiple high-profile exits are anticipated as Arsenal look to generate transfer funds following years of substantial investment, with several underperforming figures desperate to justify their continued presence during the closing stages of the campaign. The situation has become particularly acute as the club's trophy drought shows no signs of ending.

Ben White

White's fall from favour perfectly illustrates Arteta's unforgiving approach to recruitment. Jurrien Timber's arrival has rendered the defender surplus to requirements, with the Dutch international's superiority evident whenever he takes the pitch. Arsenal's defensive solidity has visibly deteriorated during Timber's recent injury absence, with White's struggles in the interim period only reinforcing the hierarchy.

Despite an undeserved recall to the England setup last month, White's prospects of featuring at the World Cup appear remote following a series of unconvincing displays. Time is rapidly running out to rescue his Arsenal career, and a summer departure—potentially to a club of Everton's stature—looks increasingly likely once Timber regains fitness.

Martin Odegaard

The creative malaise affecting Arsenal's attacking play represents a more pressing concern. The Gunners struggle to fashion genuine chances beyond set-piece situations, rendering them frustratingly one-dimensional in the final third. Odegaard, once a creative force, has become ponderous and inconsistent throughout a stop-start 2025/26 campaign that has left him vulnerable to criticism.

The captain's credentials remain strong since his Real Madrid arrival, yet his performances have slipped considerably from his peak. He requires a revival of his previously devastating connection with Bukayo Saka to secure his position. Should that partnership fail to reignite, summer recruit Eze—tipped as potentially decisive in the title race—could establish himself as the preferred option, with Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri also circling.

Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal's summer transfer strategy centred on acquiring the final components necessary for a major trophy push, yet the failure to replace Martinelli represented a significant miscalculation. The Brazilian winger possesses genuine quality and can be unmarkable on his best days, but such performances have grown increasingly rare. Too often, he disappoints despite showing flashes of promise.

The addition of Eze and Noni Madueke was intended to galvanise Martinelli into reaching new heights, but that spark has never materialised. Realistically, he appears destined to remain outside the elite winger conversation. Anthony Gordon represents one possible alternative to targets like Nico Williams and Karim Adeyemi, having become available after Bayern Munich's interest cooled. A Saudi Pro League club will likely prove willing to finance his departure this summer.

Kai Havertz

The absence of a world-class centre-forward has long been identified as Arsenal's critical weakness, and the Gyokeres acquisition last summer has failed to remedy this fundamental problem. Jamie Carragher's prediction proved prescient: Gyokeres has been dropped from the starting lineup at the season's most crucial juncture, yet the underlying issue persists.

Havertz has exceeded expectations since his £65m transfer from Chelsea and has performed adequately in an unfamiliar striker role when required. However, playing as a No.9 sits uncomfortably with his natural attributes, particularly his finishing—a persistent liability during vital moments. Arsenal's search for a genuine top-tier replacement continues unabated.

Viktor Gyokeres

One of Arsenal's struggling strikers will almost certainly depart this summer, with Gyokeres now vulnerable following his recent demotion. His 18-goal tally across all competitions during his debut campaign cannot be dismissed, yet he offers little beyond goalscoring. This limitation explains his recent bench appearances and Arteta's reported openness to a sale, despite the substantial financial loss such a deal would entail.

Arsenal require a striker combining Gyokeres' finishing prowess with Havertz's broader contribution to play. Summer target Julian Alvarez represents precisely that hybrid profile.