A major shake-up is unfolding at Arsenal as 17 players are set to leave the club following the expiration of their contracts on June 30. It’s a hefty wave of departures, signaling a full-blown rebuild under Mikel Arteta and the newly influential Andrea Berta. From senior squad members to youth prospects, the Emirates is witnessing a generational shift, clearing space both for fresh signings and a tactical overhaul that aligns with Arsenal’s new ambitions.
Among the most notable exits is Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder was central to Arsenal’s campaign last season, and while Arteta made his desire to retain him clear, no extension was sealed. As of now, he’s walking away as a free agent. His silence on social media and the club’s lack of confirmation leave a sliver of hope, but the current situation points to his departure being imminent and final.
Kieran Tierney’s farewell, on the other hand, is confirmed and deeply felt. The left-back, beloved by fans since arriving from Celtic in 2019, returns to his boyhood club on July 1. After racking up 144 appearances and scoring in his final match, Tierney bid Arsenal an emotional yet content goodbye, expressing gratitude for the journey and friendships built during his tenure.
Loan players Raheem Sterling and Neto are also on their way out. Sterling struggled to make an impact with just one goal in 28 outings, while Neto played a minimal role as backup keeper to David Raya. Meanwhile, Jorginho, though not on this official list, has already made his exit and is actively playing for Flamengo, even appearing in the Club World Cup.
There’s also disappointment over Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s departure. The forward showed flashes of promise, including a Champions League debut against Dinamo Zagreb and a league cameo versus Ipswich. Now at 22, he’s exploring options abroad after 14 years at Arsenal, sharing a heartfelt farewell on Instagram that praised everyone from chefs to fans, cementing his love for the club.
More young guns are packing their bags too. Jimi Gower and Jack Henry-Francis were often seen on the bench last season, and both are parting ways. Khayon Edwards, a standout for the U21s with 12 goals and three assists, is also leaving, likely attracting suitors given his productivity and potential to shine elsewhere.
The list rounds out with a slew of lesser-known names—Brian Okonkwo, the Oulad M’Hand brothers, Elian Quesada-Thorn, Jakai Fisher, and others—most of whom haven’t made a senior appearance but are brimming with talent. Their exits mark not an end but a redistribution of promise, and many are expected to pop up in other European setups soon enough.
So, as the club parts ways with Tierney, Partey, Sterling, Neto, and 13 more, the slate is being wiped clean. The full list: Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Raheem Sterling, Neto, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Khayon Edwards, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Brian Okonkwo, Ismail Oulad M’Hand, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Elian Quesada-Thorn, Jakai Fisher, Reece Clairmont, Romari Forde, Max Kuczynski, and Zacariah Shuaib. This exodus is Berta’s first bold stroke in reshaping Arsenal’s future.
Leave a Reply