Mikel Arteta ready to 'axe' seven first-team stars in brutal Arsenal summer overhaul

Mikel Arteta is set to axe seven first-team Arsenal players in a huge summer overhaul, according to stunning reports.

There is set to be a mass exodus at Arsenal at the end of the season.

In order to facilitate new signings, the Gunners are planning to part ways with seven players.

According to The Mirror, Arteta has sanctioned wholesale changes to pave the way for new recruits during the summer.

Per the report, Raheem Sterling and Neto will not be returning to Arsenal when their respective loan deals come to an end.

Sterling joined Arsenal from Chelsea while Neto arrived from Bournemouth. Both players will return to their parent clubs upon the expiration of their loans.

Sterling, 30, has played a bit-part role this season and has scored just one goal in 18 matches.

Neto has played one game for Arsenal.

Kiernan Tierney, Thomas Partey and Jorginho are all out of contract in the summer, with the trio in line to leave the Emirates as free agents.

Tierney and Jorginho were linked with moves away in January, but Arteta held onto their services amid injury issues.

Tierney had been linked with Celtic while Jorginho was in talks with Flamengo.

Partey, meanwhile, has played 23 league games this season and has featured in every Champions League game this term.

The Ghana midfielder is in his fifth season at Arsenal following his transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season. Image: Getty

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior will also depart Arsenal after falling down the pecking order.

Zinchenko, who was snapped up from Manchester City, has made eight league appearances this season. As for Kiwior, he's also played eight league games this campaign.

The departure of the seven players won't raise huge transfer funds, but it will free up the wage bill on the club's books ahead of new signings.