Mikel Arteta has been busy formalising a list of targets for Arsenal to sign this summer as the Spaniard prepares for the new campaign.
The 39-year-old has been working with sporting director Edu to identify players to improve his squad as the Gunners face their first season without European football in 26 years.
Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares appear to be edging closer to sealing their respective transfers to the club, with the trio set to cost around £75million, according to football.london.
Four players have already departed — David Luiz, Dani Ceballos, Martin Odegaard and Mat Ryan — and more could follow as Arteta looks to overhaul his squad after finishing eighth in back-to-back campaigns.
But there could be more players heading for the exit and it will be down to Arteta to whittle down his roster to meet registration requirements, with Arsenal required to submit a 25-man squad.
So, who is at risk of being shown the door? Mirror Sport takes a look at those who face a battle to impress their boss this summer…
Bernd Leno
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The fact that Ryan has headed back to Brighton and Runar Alex Runarsson is close to sealing a move to Turkey should provide some comfort to Leno.
The German did not enjoy his best campaign in an Arsenal shirt and a series of errors from the 29-year-old saw him temporarily lose his place to Ryan.
While there is no immediate threat to his place at the Emirates, Arsenal have been linked with Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana.
It is also believed England international pair Sam Johnston and Aaron Ramsdale have been mentioned as potential signings to provide competition to Leno.
Arteta kept faith with Leno when he was forced to choose between him and Emiliano Martinez, eventually selling the Argentine to Aston Villa for £20m.
However, Martinez has looked superb since heading to Villa Park and Leno will need to prove that his boss made the right decision with some strong performances across pre-season.
Mohamed Elneny
When Arteta evaluated his squad last summer, one surprise name was recalled to the first-team squad after being left out in the cold by predecessor Unai Emery.
That player was Elneny, who had spent the previous season on loan at Besiktas and made an impression on Arteta.
The Egyptian does nothing spectacular in the heart of the Arsenal midfield but his work rate and composure on the ball made him a prime candidate to deputise for Thomas Partey when he was injured.
The 28-year-old has only a year left to run on his deal, however, and with Besiktas opting against signing him on a permanent deal, there are not many clubs vying for his signature.
His situation may be helped by Granit Xhaka’s impending departure to AS Roma. But Elneny will need to show that he can contribute effectively in order to win a new deal.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Arsenal are stocked with options in defence and midfield and it is difficult to see where Maitland-Niles fits in.
The utility man has struggled to nail down a regular spot at right-back or in his favoured position in central midfield.
He spent the 2020-21 season on loan with West Brom in a bid to work his way back into England’s Euro 2020 plans but was left out of the squad by Gareth Southgate.
The 24-year-old makes a useful squad option due to his versatility and often goes through spells of good form, but with interest from Premier League clubs, it remains a possibility that he leaves this summer.
With Arteta set to sign Sambi Lokonga, Maitland-Niles may have to put up with his role as a back-up right-back or look elsewhere for a new club.
Reiss Nelson
One of the brightest talents at the club, Nelson endured a frustrating season spent mostly on the bench or out in the cold.
The 21-year-old may not have expected to start every game but with Arsenal’s troubles on the pitch, it is puzzling that he featured only twice in the Premier League last season as a substitute.
Even in the Europa League, Arteta has experimented with his side but Nelson made only three starts, scoring one goal and laying on an assist too.
Only two seasons ago, he was hot property after starring on loan at Hoffenheim. Now the young forward can barely get on the bench for the Gunners.
But pre-season can be a new start. Arteta has said he wishes he could give Nelson more game time and with friendlies and tours about to begin, it will be his time to shine — either for the Gunners or prospective new clubs who will inevitably be watching from afar.
