The world cup fever is on but it doesn't stop the transfer rumor mill. Like every transfer window, Arsenal has been linked with many high profile players. But this season could see some big names leave the club as well.
This summer saw Unai Emery taking charge of Arsenal and he has already signed Stephan Lichsteiner from Juventus for a free transfer. He is also likely to sign Sokratis(Dortmund), Toreira(Sampdoria) and Bernd Leno(Leverkusen).
The board has allowed a limited transfer fund to Unai Emery and the transfers may have to be funded by selling some players.This due to the fact that Arsene Wenger had splashed a club record fee of £56 million to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But Aubameyang is one of the best in the business right now.
In this slideshow, you can find the top 7 players who are expected to leave the club this summer. Read till the end, some may surprise you.
#7: Santi Cazorla
One of the most popular players with fans and team-mates alike, Santi Cazorla is a huge part of the clubs recent history but haven't played much since 2016 owing to an injury.
The Spanish Player of the Year in 2006/07, part of the spanish teams winning European championships in 2008 and 2012 is one of the Premier League’s most technically-gifted players.
Cazorla was restricted to just 11 games before limping off after 57 minutes of our Champions League group-stage match in 2016.
He will be released by Arsenal after his contract run out and will move to Villareal for a third spell at the club.
#6: David Ospina
David Ospina has been Arsenal's main goalkeeper for European matches but that situation is about to change.
With Bernd Leno reportedly coming in, Emery will likely Petr Cech the substitute keeper and it is extremely likely Arsenal will sell David Ospina to finance the move.
The Daily Mail reports the Colombian could be sold to Mexican side Tigres. But he is believed to be more open to a move to Turkey over Mexico.
#5: Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck earned a place in England's world cup team with 5 goals last season but is linked with a surprise move to Besiktas.
Arsenal currently has good attacking options in Lacazzette and Aubameyang plus a rumor of a loan offer for Ousmane Dembele is also spreading. Arsenal is also interested in signing Mario Gotze for 18 million.
Selling Welbeck for getting some money wouldn't be a bad option.
#4: Lucas Perez
Perez has returned from his loan to Deportivo La Coruna. He scored nine goals and provided eight assists last season.
Only Lionel Messi made more chances in La Liga in 2017/18 than Perez. However, he suffered a goal drought lasting almost five months.
Lazio has enquired about Perez's availability and Emery may sell him as he can't guarantee the 29-year-old regular playtime.
#3 : Jack Wilshere
Once been described as the successor to Denis Berghkamp at Arsenal, Jack Wilshere was never able to fulfill his potential. His career was mostly destroyed by his injuries.
Wilshere's contract will end this summer and has been offered a contract with a pay cut but the player is clearly unhappy with it. He had also hinted that he may leave the club.
With Toreira probably coming in, Xhaka signing a new contract and Arsenal interested in Mario Gotze, it is not clear about the role Wilshere has to play at the club.
If Wilshere chooses to leave, the most likely destination would be Westham. Other potential buyers are Crystal Palace, Juventus, Everton, and wolves.
#2: Calum Chambers
Arsenal's defence has been deteriorating for the past years but Calum Chambers' performances have been promising.
With no sales as of yet and Arsenal likely to sign Sokratis and leading the race for highly rated 19-year old defender Caglar Soyuncu, Chambers may again find himself on the benches or in another team.
According to Skysports, Chambers has attracted interest from many teams including Fulham FC.But the move is highly unlikely as he was clearly the best centreback at Arsenal last season.
#1: Shkodran Mustafi
Mustafi has been highly inconsistent throughout his first two seasons at The Emirates and the disappointing performances have been inviting criticism from the fans and pundits alike.
Arsenal Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat is reportedly unconvinced by the defender and with the club looking to strengthen the defence by signing Sokratis from Borussia Dortmund, Mustafi could be well on the way out just two years after his arrival from Valencia.
Arsenal have also reportedly made an offer of 18 million for Chelsea defender David Luiz. Mustafi has revealed that he doesn't want to leave but decision is the Manager's hands.The potential destinations are also unclear.