Evening Standard
·8 May 2025
Keep or sell? Every Arsenal player assessed ahead of big summer transfer window

Evening Standard
·8 May 2025
Three new contracts but sell two starers against PSG in big squad overhaul
Arsenal have a huge summer ahead of them after crashing out of the Champions League.
The Gunners suffered semi-final heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain that means they have gone another season without a trophy.
Arsenal are facing a crucial summer transfer window as they look to reinforce their squad, while a number of players could be shown the door.
Here, Standard Sport assesses who the Gunners should keep and sell…
David Raya
Arsenal’s No1 and also one of their best players this season, especially during the Champions League run. Needs competition and cover. KEEP
David Raya has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season
Action Images via Reuters
Karl Hein
Spent this season on loan at Valladolid. Could easily be sold if a good fee comes in or kept as a No3 goalkeeper. KEEP
Neto
Signed on loan from Bournemouth last summer as back-up to Raya. Barely played, so hard to judge, but feels like Arsenal can do better in that position. LET GO AT END OF LOAN
Tommy Setford
Joined last summer from Ajax and the teenager has been tipped for a big future. Could possibly benefit from a loan move and more game time. KEEP
Ben White
Has had an injury-hit season, but one of Arsenal’s best defenders when fit. Provides competition at right-back and the heart of defence. KEEP
Gabriel
One of Arsenal’s players of the season. A monster at the back and deserves a new contract to underline his importance to Arsenal. KEEP
Gabriel and William Saliba have forced a formidable centre-back partnership
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jakub Kiwior
Performed well in the absence of Gabriel after finally getting a run at centre-back. Now feels like the moment to cash in when his stock is high. SELL
Jurrien Timber
Enjoyed a brilliant season and showed what a miss he was the previous year. Another contender for player of the season. KEEP
Kieran Tierney
Set to join Celtic when his contract expires this summer. Proved a handy and surprise option this summer on the left flank. RELEASE FOR FREE
Myles Lewis-Skelly
One of the biggest positives from this season. Broken into the first team and made the left-back spot he is own. Deserves a new contract. KEEP
Nuno Tavares
Performed well while out on loan at Lazio and due to join them permanently for £7million as part of the deal done last summer. SELL
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Will have just a year to run on his contract this summer, so it is time to sell. The team has evolved beyond him. SELL
Riccardo Calafiori
Shown flashes of brilliance during an injury-hit campaign. If he can stay fit, the Italian will be a valuable player next season. KEEP
Riccardo Calafiori has had injury problems this season
Getty Images
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Out injured and not due back until the end of this year, so he will have to stay. Only has a year on his contract, though, and future feels uncertain. KEEP
William Saliba
Real Madrid will come calling at some point over the next few years. Arsenal need to keep the Frenchman and build around him. KEEP
Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Spent this season on loan at Sevilla and clearly out of favour. Best for all parties if he can secure a move. SELL
Declan Rice
Become a real leader in the team. Looks set to play as a No8 now and is on course for his best ever season in terms of attacking output. KEEP
Ethan Nwaneri
Scored nine goals during his debut season, which is an impressive return. Arsenal finally have cover for Bukayo Saka. KEEP
Ethan Nwaneri could have a key role next season
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Fabio Vieira
By all accounts, he has performed well back on loan at his old club Porto. Feels too lightweight for the Premier League, though, and should go if a decent offer comes in. SELL
Jorginho
Out of contract in summer and set to join Brazilian club Flamengo. A shame to lose a player of his experience, but he is 33 now. RELEASE FOR FREE
Martin Odegaard
Had his most challenging season since joining Arsenal. An ankle injury derailed it early on and he never got back to his best. Still a key player, though. KEEP
Mikel Merino
Had a slow start after arriving late in the summer and then injuring his shoulder. Excelled as an emergency striker since February and feels a handy squad player. KEEP
Thomas Partey
Enjoying his best season, but this is the exception rather than the norm - especially when it comes to injuries. Feels like Arsenal need to inject some youth into that position. RELEASE FOR FREE
Thomas Partey is out of contract at the end of the season
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s season was dealt a hammer blow when he got injured in December. The team’s talisman. Needs a new contract. KEEP
Gabriel Jesus
Out injured until the back end of this year due to a knee injury, so he will have to stay. Could go next year, though, unless his form improves. KEEP
Gabriel Martinelli
If a huge offer came in, it would be interesting to see if Arsenal’s head was turned. Needs competition for his place. KEEP
Kai Havertz
Missed the second half of the season through injury and Arsenal have suffered in his absence. A big miss. KEEP
Leandro Trossard
Proved to be an excellent signing, but he feels like a player that Arsenal can get some money for this summer. SELL
Marquinhos
Currently on his fourth loan spell since joining Arsenal, which says it all. Future lies elsewhere. SELL
Raheem Sterling
A disappointing loan spell. Never really got going and does not look like the player that he once was. LET GO AT END OF LOAN
Reiss Nelson
Was performing okay on loan at Fulham this season before a hamstring injury struck. A handy squad player, but for his own sake he needs a move and game time. SELL