Are Mikel Arteta and Arsenal planning a late summer clearout over the final fortnight?

Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a 2-1 victory at home against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, it is no secret that Arsenal have their sights set on mounting another genuine title charge this time around.

Really breaking the bank this summer as they welcomed the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber to the Emirates, it has now been suggested that Mikel Arteta is keen on slashing his bumper wage bill.

With only just over a fortnight until the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1st, many are expecting what could be a stacked set of departures from north London.

Although the Gunners might be inching towards a £20million deal for Brentford shot-stopper David Raya, we have taken a glance at three first-team stars who could still be heading for the Arsenal exit this summer.

Kieran Tierney

While Kieran Tierney might have cemented his spot as an Arsenal fan favourite after making the move from Celtic back in the summer over 2019, it is fair to say that the Scotland international finds himself in north London limbo.

Dealing with some extended injury issues over the past few seasons and struggling to find much stability in the north London, the 26-year-old was completely left out of Arteta’s matchday squad for Arsenal’s season-opener against Nottingham Forest over the weekend.

Falling down Arteta’s defensive pecking order, it is ex-Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko who has stamped his place as the Gunners’ number-one option at left-back.

With it suggested that Tierney does not want to sign a new deal at the Emirates, reports have suggested that Arteta is open to letting the former Celtic defender leave north London this summer.

The Chronicle reported earlier in the week that high-flying Newcastle are still keen on striking what could be a deal worth in the region of £30million for the 39-cap international over the next fortnight.

Folarin Balogun

While Gabriel Jesus might face another spell on the sidelines after sustaining a pre-season knee injury, it still appears that Folarin Balogun will still be heading for the north London exit over the next two weeks.

With Eddie Nketiah leading the line against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, the USA international has made it clear that he is seeking a new adventure before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Really enjoying a breakout season with Ligue 1 outfit Reims last season as he notched 22 top-flight goals, the ex-England youth star has a string of European heavyweights that are chasing his signature this summer.

Although the Gunners might have rejected an initial approach from French giants Monaco earlier in the month, The Daily Mail reported on Monday that Arsenal are bracing themselves for another bid over the coming days.

With it suggested that Monaco still sit in pole position to get a deal for the 22-year-old over the line, The Mail are reporting that the former Ligue 1 champions are set to make an improved offer of $63million.

Nuno Tavares

Although there might have been much excitement around the Emirates two years ago as Nuno Tavares arrived from Benfica for a fee of just £6.8million, the 23-year-old has endured nothing short than a nightmare stint in the English capital.

However, while the full-back might have been shipped out on loan to French outfit Marseille last season, Tavares made 39 appearances and certainly impressed many across Ligue 1.

With it heavily suggested since the summer transfer window opened up that Arteta has informed the Portugal U21 international will be allowed to leave on a permanent basis, it appears that the ex-Benfica starlet has plenty of clubs chasing his signature.

Clearly not part of Arsenal’s first-team plans this season, Football London suggested earlier in the month that both Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg have already registered their interest in Tavares.

Not even included in Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States this summer, Tavares has just two years left on his current deal at the Emirates and this is seen as the perfect time for the Gunners to cash in.