Featured Image Credit: PA Images
Topics: Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Nicolas Pepe, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Football, Thomas Partey, Premier League
Joe Adams
Topics: Arsenal, Granit Xhaka, Nicolas Pepe, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Football, Thomas Partey, Premier League
Saudi Arabia have been the talk of the summer transfer window, with several high profile players having agreed to deals in the Middle East, but which Arsenal players could make the popular switch?
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced earlier in June that it would be taking majority control of four of the country's biggest top division clubs - Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.
Al Ittihad have already announced the signing of 2022 Ballon d'Or winner and Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema, with Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante expected to follow in the Frenchman's footsteps.
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While Al Hilal are on the verge of completing a deal for Wolves' Ruben Neves.
And with Mikel Arteta keen to raise funds for the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, five players have been rumoured with departures this summer.
Nicolas Pepe
Pepe has spent the season on loan at Nice, but the French club have no plans to sign the 28-year-old on a permanent deal.
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While there appears to be little room for the winger at the Emirates. And with just a year remaining on his contract, the Ivorian is expected to be sold this summer, with the Ivorian allegedly keen on a move to Saudi Arabia.
Journalist Chris Wheately broke the news, stating: “Pepe in particular is open-minded to moving to Saudi Arabia, where a flurry of marquee names have arrived in recent weeks."
However, it is unlikely Arsenal will recoup the £72 million they paid for him back in 2019.
Thomas Partey
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Partey has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates, with several Saudia Arabian clubs weighing up a move for the Ghanaian midfielder, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
According to journalist Ibrahim Sannie Daara, founder of news outlet Ghanasoccernet, Partey has been offered a contract worth $200 million to play in the Saudi Pro League for two years.
Juventus are also keen on the 30-year-old, with manager Massimiliano Allegri plotting a £17 million bid for the player, according to The Daily Mail.
Granit Xhaka
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Xhaka is the next midfielder heavily rumoured with a move abroad, with Bayer Leverkusen emerging as favourites to land the Swiss international's signature.
However, Bayern Munich have since arrived on the scene with a view to hijack their plans, claim the Daily Mail.
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny could also leave this summer to make way for the likes of Declan Rice after the Egyptian penned a one-year contract extension in January.
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Cedric Soares
Cedric is the final name on the list following a loan spell at Fulham last season.
Wheately recently revealed he was "surplus to requirements at Arsenal and his "representatives are currently trying to find him a new team ahead of the 2023/24 season".