Arsenal are set for another busy window, after Mikel Arteta admitted there was “lots to do” in order for them to continue their progression.
It has been an up and down first full season for the Spaniard and after shifting out a number of players in January, he appears closer to building a squad he is happy with.
But following the defeat to Burnley last month, the Arsenal boss was asked how far away his side was from being a ‘Mikel Arteta team’: “Very far. Very, very far.”
And then speaking earlier this month, he admitted that plans are already in motion ahead of another pivotal summer.
"We are planning everything for the summer, the same with the board,” he said earlier this month. “We are very clear on how we want to do it.
"We still have quite a lot of things to do, but we will get to the point, hopefully, where it's just ticking off a few things and the stability is there, because you need that as well to be consistent and be competitive."
But with Arsenal still hoping to be a model of self-sustainability, there may have to be outgoings before incomings.
With that in mind, Mirror Sport has taken a look at five players that could be moved on this summer.
David Luiz
Arteta trusts Luiz greatly and there is no doubt his level of play has increased under the current boss.
However, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season and while there have been hints a new deal could be offered, talks won’t commence until the end of the season.
In Pablo Mari, Gabriel and Rob Holding, Arsenal have decent depth already at the club and centre-back is likely an area they will look to upgrade before the start of next season.
That could leave Luiz the odd man out and although they wouldn't get a fee, it would be another salary off the books.
Hector Bellerin
The ball has often been in the Spaniard’s court when it comes to negotiations about his future at the Emirates.
But a dip in form, coinciding with the rise of Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers means he could be a viable option to sell this summer.
While on his day still the best right-back at the club, the noises coming from his camp about a potential move will no doubt frustrate Arteta.
There is a healthy list of clubs interested in acquiring Bellerin, meaning a sale could really help fund their own transfer plans.
Mohamed Elneny
The Egyptian is arguably enjoying his best season in an Arsenal shirt. That isn’t saying too much, but he has shown glimpses of the quality that made Arsene Wenger sign him back in 2016.
But with a year left on his deal and Arteta seeming to prefer Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, this summer could signal the last time where the Gunners can still fetch a transfer fee for the midfielder.
Alexandre Lacazette
Similarly to Elneny, unless Arsenal decide to hand Lacazette a new contract, he will be available to leave on a free transfer next summer.
The Frenchman has 11 Premier League goals this season and showed his importance in the 3-3 draw with West Ham at the weekend.
However, there have long been murmurings about how bosses have doubts about his ability to fire the Gunners back into title contention.
Aged 29, Lacazette would likely still fetch a hefty transfer fee, enabling Arteta to bring in his own replacement.
Eddie Nketiah
Arteta has spoken in glowing terms about the England Under-21 skipper, but actions have spoke louder than words and those actions have proved he is a man on the peripheries.
Nketiah has been left out of the last eight matchday squads and has played just a solitary minute in the last 11 league games.
"It is frustrating not playing but you have to channel that frustration in a good way, use your time wisely to work hard and prepare for when that opportunity arises,” he said whilst on England duty.
An ambitious player, he is unlikely to be happy sitting on the sidelines. It could suit all parties for him to move on.
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