Arsenal writer James McNicholas has outlined how he expects the club to offload a number of unwanted players before the transfer window closes.
All summer, it has been reported that the Gunners want to sell a number of players in order to rebuild an improved squad under the management of Mikel Arteta.
However, with the transfer window set to close in only a matter of weeks, Arsenal have only actually received an immediate transfer fee for one player: Joe Willock.
With the likes of Reiss Nelson, Hector Bellerin, and Eddie Nketiah still at the club, McNicholas has claimed the only way to get rid of them this summer will be through loans.
While speaking on an Arsecast Extra podcast, McNicholas claimed: “Unfortunately, I think that is what will happen. I think we’ll see a flurry of loan deals – not just from Arsenal, but from lots of other clubs.
“People just sort of shifting players’ wages onto other people, basically.”
TIF Thoughts on Arsenal and their transfer dealings…
Earlier on in the summer, Arsenal were reported to have demanded either a fee or at least a loan with an obligation to buy from Inter, who were hoping to acquire Hector Bellerin.
Inter have now signed Denzel Dumfries on a permanent deal from PSV instead, offering him a contract that runs through until 30th June 2025.
It does look as though McNicholas could be right, if the Gunners do want to at least get some player wages off their books, they may have to accept loan deals for now, as opposed to receiving any significant transfer fees as the transfer window nears its conclusion and desperation potentially sets in.