This summer could finally mark the end of the Arsene Wenger era at Arsenal, with the lasting members of his squad set to leave the Emirates at the end of the season.
The Gunners will finish their Premier League campaign as runners-up, after a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend confirmed that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City would retain their league title.
Being pipped at the last by City might feel like a disappointment for Gunners fans, having sat at the summit of English football’s top flight for much of the season. But a second place finish will be Arsenal’s highest since Wenger left the club in 2018.
The 73-year-old Frenchman, who led the Gunners to 17 trophies during his 22-year tenure, including the famed ‘Invincibles’ Premier League title in 2004, remains Arsenal most successful manager.
Advert
And several players who were brought in by Wenger still play for the club, although all are likely to depart in the summer transfer window.
Granit Xhaka, who has been something of a revelation for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, could play his final game for the club at home to Wolves on Sunday.
The Switzerland international’s career in North London has been almost Shakespearian.
Defined largely by numerous incidents of ill-discipline on the pitch, Xhaka was made club captain by Wenger's successor, Unai Emery, but was then stripped of the armband in 2019 after telling fans to “f*** off” when he was substituted to a chorus of boos in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
Advert
Under Arteta, however, Xhaka has been in fine form but is now reportedly destined for Bayern Leverkusen for a fee of £15 million.
Mohamed Elneny is another Wenger signing set to leave the Emirates. Predominantly deployed as back-up during his time at the club, the 30-year-old was given a contract extension in 2022 but could be on his way out in the summer.
Rob Holding was signed from Bolton Wanderers in 2016 as a promising youngster. However, the central defender could also be leaving the Gunners after being used largely as cover for William Saliba, whose season was cut short through injury in March.
Advert
Both Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson were similarly brought in by Wenger as promising future talents. Despite contributing goals at key moments this term, both players have failed to live up to the hype.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal have offered Nelson a new four-year contract although it is thought Nelson may wish to nail down more playing time elsewhere.
For Nketiah, who signed a new deal worth a reported £100k a week in 2022 and was given the iconic number 14 shirt once worn by the club’s record goalscorer, Thierry Henry, he may also want to secure more first team football away from the Emirates.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Premier League, Arsene Wenger, Mikel Arteta
