Arsenal ready to sell four players including Nicolas Pepe to fund further transfers

Arsenal are preparing to sell four players in order to fund further transfers this summer, it has been claimed.

The Gunners have been busy in the transfer window, having already signed Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and David Raya.

But Mikel Arteta is preparing for some players to go in the opposite direction, as the Spaniard seeks to raise funds for further moves in the market.

That's according to Football Insider, who state that left-back Kieran Tierney will be allowed to leave this summer following his omission from the squad to face Nottingham Forest.

The report adds that Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe and Nuno Tavares are also likely to depart the Emirates after being left out of the 23-man squad which beat Forest 2-1 on Saturday.

Arteta is also said to be after another attacking player before the transfer deadline slams shut in just two weeks' time.

But in order to fund a move, the north Londoners will have to move some players on as they attempt to balance the books and stay the right side of Financial Fair Play laws.

Arsenal are said to have rejected a bid for Holding from Turkish giants Besiktas earlier in the summer, while Tierney was the subject of interest from Newcastle.

In the meantime, Arsenal have been linked with Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, following reports that left-sided centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes could move to Saudi Arabia.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has since provided an update on the situation, insisting that City would be reluctant to sell to their direct rivals.

"Earlier in the summer, Arsenal looked at bringing in a 'traditional' centre-back, more than a versatile player like Timber, who can play everywhere in defence," Romano told CaughtOffside.

"One player they appreciate is Aymeric Laporte - the rumours are true in the sense that he is liked by Arsenal. But the problem is Manchester City don’t want to sell another player to Arsenal, they prefer another destination for him, so let’s see if Arsenal return for Laporte or if they try to replace Timber with a full-back instead.

"Internal discussions will take place on that, with Mikel Arteta involved."