In the next weeks, Arsenal plans to release two individuals who can fill in for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Saka, an international for England, is the only player in the Premier League to have participated in each of the 38 games during the past two seasons. He is the only Arsenal player in history to have accomplished both feats, and he won’t turn 22 until September.
The data shows how important he is to his manager Mikel Arteta, but despite the lack of real challengers for his spot on the right of the front three, the Basque manager now seems to be getting rid of the only two stars who might be able to lighten his load.
Marquinhos, a talented Brazilian winger, was a Europa League option for Arsenal last season until being loaned out to Norwich in January. L’Equipe reports that the teenager will spend another season on loan at Nantes, so that won’t be the strategy this time around in the Champions League.
Although no such information will be included in the final agreement, it was rumored that a €12 million option to purchase with a €22 million repurchase clause was under discussion.
Marquinhos may have been elevated to the first team of Arsenal a little earlier than anticipated last season as a result of Nicolas Pepe’s loan departure, but the Ivorian won’t be coming back to complete the remainder of his contract at the Emirates Stadium this time.
According to The Express, the former Gunners record signing and Besiktas have reached an agreement. Although the north Londoners would undoubtedly prefer to settle on a fee, the Turkish organization and Pepe’s representative both want Arsenal to end the deal 12 months early.
The only remaining left-footers with alternatives on the right wing are young players Ethan Nwaneri and Amario Cozier-Duberry, though Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli may all fill in if necessary.
The Gunners have agreed to a deal for David Raya, according to The Athletic, and they don’t appear inclined to make a fifth acquisition until substantial outgoings have been resolved.