Arsenal are planning to offload three of their first-team players in January.
After spending a busy summer transfer window, Arsenal are preparing to continue their squad rebuilding plans this winter. But before making new signings, the Gunners are keen to first balance their books by selling a few outcasts.
According to talkSport, Arsenal are planning to part ways with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, and Alexandre Lacazette this winter.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
On Tuesday, Arsenal announced their decision to strip Aubameyang from the team’s captaincy. The 32-year-old signed a three-year deal in 2020, but his future is far from clear now.
The Gabonese striker has struggled for form this season, receiving widespread criticism for his performances. He has lost his place as a regular starter after scoring only seven goals across all competitions this season.
Nicolas Pepe
Aubameyang is not the only forward on Arsenal’s transfer list. The club are also planning to sell Pepe this winter. Since his £72m move from Lille, the Frenchman has failed to live up to expectations at the Etihad Stadium.
In his 99 games for Arsenal, Pepe has scored 25 goals for Arsenal. However, his recent performances have reportedly persuaded the Gunners officials that it is time to part ways with the 26-year-old.
Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette is spending the last months of his current contract at Arsenal. The upcoming January transfer window will be the Gunners’ last chance to earn a transfer fee for the Frenchman.
Lacazette admitted his agents are weighing up different options ahead of the winter transfer window.
“Of course, my agents are starting to look to the right and to the left,” the Arsenal striker said last month. “But not until January, I really want to focus myself on something.
“And then we will see what is on offer, if the challenges are interesting, if there are beautiful projects, how they are counting on me.
Since his move from Lyon in 2017, Lacazette has scored 69 goals in his 184 goals for Arsenal.
He added: “There are still many questions, I prefer to wait until January to position myself.”