Arsenal likely to sell up to seven first-team stars, including captain Odegaard, to fund summer rebuild

Arsenal are ready to let as many as seven first-team players leave this summer, including club captain Martin Odegaard, in order to raise funds for a major squad overhaul, according to multiple reports.

The newly-crowned Premier League champions are aiming to strengthen their squad for the defense of their title and a deeper run in the Champions League, after losing in the final to Paris Saint-Germain last season. Manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Andrea Berta have reportedly drawn up plans to target high-profile additions, led by Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, who is valued at £80 million, and Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, expected to cost around £34 million. A left-sided forward and midfield depth are said to be priority areas.

Odegaard, who managed just one goal and six assists in the Premier League last season—a significant drop from his 18 goal contributions in 2023/24—faces an uncertain future with two years left on his contract. BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel reported “whispers” that Arsenal would consider offers meeting their valuation, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain among the interested clubs. Football.london noted that no contract talks had opened before the end of the season and that the club would demand a “large fee” for their skipper.

Other players who could be sold include forwards Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, all of whom have one year remaining on their contracts, as well as midfielder Ethan Nwaneri and Christian Norgaard, who struggled for regular minutes last season. Defender Ben White is attracting interest from Premier League and European clubs, but Arsenal are not in a rush to sell him and his future may depend on the fitness of Jurrien Timber.

Despite the potential departures, Arsenal are not desperate to sell any individual player, according to sources. The club’s financial position is strong after winning the title, and they are determined to secure maximum value for any outgoing transfers. Meanwhile, defender Riccardo Calafiori is considered a key part of Arteta’s project and would only be allowed to leave for an “off-market” offer exceeding €100 million.