Opinion: Who should Arsenal keep and sell?

Story by Lucas Michael

It's that time of year again when clubs revise their squad lists and decide who is going to be kept, sold, or released.
Some decisions have already been confirmed, while others remain uncertain, with rumours flying around.
Here is my opinion on which players Arsenal should keep, sell, or release:

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David Raya – Keep
One of the best keepers in the league last season. Reliable with the ball at his feet, good in the air, and a great shot-stopper. The overall perfect keeper.

Neto – Release
Came in to be the second-choice keeper behind Raya. Not a long-term option. Will return to Bournemouth.

Tommy Setford – Keep
With Arsenal likely to sign a second-choice keeper, there's a case for sending the young goalie out on loan for more game time. However, staying with the first team another season could be valuable for his development.

Ben White – Keep
His absence was felt last season. Once he returned, the improvement down the right-hand side was clear. Good cover for Timber.

Jurrien Timber – Keep
One of Arsenal's most consistent players last season. Has locked down the right-back slot despite strong competition. A key player for Arteta going forward.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – Sell (if a good offer comes in)
Availability is the best ability, and Tomiyasu hasn't been able to stay fit. Played just one game last season—not enough even for a squad player. If he could stay healthy, I'd be happy to keep him.

William Saliba – Keep
With Real Madrid links heating up, it's crucial to tie him down to a long-term deal. If that's not possible, selling might become the more realistic option.

Gabriel Magalhães – Keep
A key player Arteta will want to secure on a new contract. Integral to Arsenal's rise and has formed a strong partnership with Saliba. Not even £200 million would tempt me to let him go.

Jakub Kiwior – Keep (unless a big offer comes in)
Proved his quality late in the season. While he doesn't start ahead of Gabriel or Saliba, he's a vital squad option. Rumours of discontent over limited minutes may lead to a move.

Riccardo Calafiori – Keep
Injuries have limited his impact so far, but he's shown flashes of quality. His versatility across the defence will be valuable. Wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a regular next season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – Sell
Has dropped down the pecking order in recent seasons. Once key to Arteta's system, but now seemingly out of favour. A sale is best for all parties.

Kieran Tierney – Release
A loyal servant to the club, but never truly fit into Arteta's long-term plans. Looks set to return to Celtic as his contract expires.

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Myles Lewis-Skelly – Keep
Nobody expected the breakout season he had. His versatility and talent make him a valuable asset for next season. Deserves a new deal for his contributions.

Thomas Partey – Release
Purely from a footballing perspective, I'd consider keeping him unless a big offer comes in. But off-field allegations cast a shadow, and errors are starting to creep into his game. With Zubimendi arriving, it may be time to move on.

Jorginho – Keep (Released)
Confirmed to be joining Flamengo. Ideally, I'd have liked him to stay—possibly in a player-coach role. But his game time would have been limited as his legs have gone.

Martin Ødegaard – Keep
The captain may not have had his best season, but at his peak, he's one of the world's best midfielders. Once back to top form, fans will forget about any talk of removing the armband.

Declan Rice – Keep
Has taken his game to another level. Now excelling in the left 8 role, he's become one of the first names on the team sheet.

Mikel Merino – Keep
A solid squad player and now a proven goalscorer. Adds depth and physicality to midfield. Not a starter but a great rotation option for Rice, Ødegaard, or Zubimendi.

Ethan Nwaneri – Keep
Another breakout year for a 17-year-old talent. Would love to see him more centrally, filling in for Ødegaard—that's where he shines. Should be a key player in the coming campaign.

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Bukayo Saka – Keep
First name on the team sheet. Tying him down to a long-term contract is the best move we can make this summer. No offer would tempt me.

Gabriel Martinelli – Sell
Controversial, but possibly the right call based on the squad's needs. He hasn't hit previous heights and could see his minutes reduced with a new winger incoming. With Trossard competing for his spot, selling Martinelli could help fund improvements elsewhere.

Leandro Trossard – Keep
A tough decision between him and Martinelli, but I'd keep Trossard due to his versatility, availability, and reliability. Can play across the front line and midfield. Would also fetch less in a sale, meaning less reinvestment.

Kai Havertz – Keep
Game time might drop with a new striker arriving, but the second half of last season showed how important he is. Could be used more in midfield next season.

Gabriel Jesus – Keep (sell if he wasn't injured)
Hasn't reached previous levels. Could be a useful squad player, but I'm unsure how much impact he'll make. If not for the ACL injury, I'd consider cashing in. That may change if he impresses on his return.

Raheem Sterling – Release
A disappointing loan. Failed to make any positive impact, with other players (even Tierney) preferred. No chance Arsenal makes the deal permanent.

Mikel Arteta – Keep
Some fans don't realise how lucky we are to have a manager of his calibre. Despite long-term injuries, a small squad, no recognised striker for half the season, and countless setbacks, he guided Arsenal to a Champions League semi-final and a second-place league finish. No one else I'd rather have.