Arsenal’s bid to land a first Premier League title in 20 years culminates on the final day of the 2023/24 season today with the hosts needing a result at home to Everton if the current squad and manager are to have any chance of becoming etched in club folklore. And for Mikel Arteta, a title win would be vindication of his work in the summer transfer window in 2023, when not only did he bring in £200million worth of talent, but was also prepared to ruthlessly cull six members of his first-team squad. Express Sport looks at how those who departed the Emirates have fared since…
Irrespective of what happens today, Granit Xhaka won’t be looking on enviously at his former team-mates given he has a top-flight title of his own to celebrate this season. He signed for Bayer Leverkusen last July, and has made 47 club appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side, playing a pivotal role in them capturing the Bundesliga title.
And the 31-year-old could have more silverware coming his way yet. Leverkusen have a domestic cup final against Kaiserslautern to come, as well as a Europa League final against Atalanta as they chase an historic treble.
Kieran Tierney
The left-back is still technically an Arsenal player, having joined Real Sociedad on a season-long loan. A superb display against Real Madrid in September initially raised hopes of him excelling in Spain, but two separate injury lay-offs have disrupted his campaign.
As a result, he’s been confined to 17 La Liga appearances. It remains to be seen if Arteta is keen to bring the 26-year-old back into the fold in north London this summer.
Nicolas Pepe
Very much a forgotten figure at the Emirates, Pepe has not pulled up any trees in Turkey either. After moving to Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, the Ivory Coast international has played just 13 times for his new club.
Given he cost Arsenal more than £70million, Arteta’s willingness to let him leave on a free a year before his contract actually expired spoke volumes. He hasn’t been missed.
Cedric Soares
The German full-back initially avoided being moved on last summer, and made three Premier League appearances for Arsenal before heading to Fulham on loan in January. He’s failed to nail down a regular starting spot with the Cottagers though, and is likely to be left in limbo this summer.
Folarin Balogun
When the 22-year-old was sold to Monaco last summer in a £34.5m deal, it was considered a gamble from Arteta given his unfulfilled potential. And while the American international has not been missed by the Gunners in attack, he has shown glimpses of launching his career in France
Arsenal’s bid to land a first Premier League title in 20 years culminates on the final day of the 2023/24 season today with the hosts needing a result at home to Everton if the current squad and manager are to have any chance of becoming etched in club folklore. And for Mikel Arteta, a title win would be vindication of his work in the summer transfer window in 2023, when not only did he bring in £200million worth of talent, but was also prepared to ruthlessly cull six members of his first-team squad. Express Sport looks at how those who departed the Emirates have fared since…
Granit Xhaka
Irrespective of what happens today, Granit Xhaka won’t be looking on enviously at his former team-mates given he has a top-flight title of his own to celebrate this season. He signed for Bayer Leverkusen last July, and has made 47 club appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side, playing a pivotal role in them capturing the Bundesliga title.
And the 31-year-old could have more silverware coming his way yet. Leverkusen have a domestic cup final against Kaiserslautern to come, as well as a Europa League final against Atalanta as they chase an historic treble.
Kieran Tierney
The left-back is still technically an Arsenal player, having joined Real Sociedad on a season-long loan. A superb display against Real Madrid in September initially raised hopes of him excelling in Spain, but two separate injury lay-offs have disrupted his campaign.
As a result, he’s been confined to 17 La Liga appearances. It remains to be seen if Arteta is keen to bring the 26-year-old back into the fold in north London this summer.
Nicolas Pepe
Very much a forgotten figure at the Emirates, Pepe has not pulled up any trees in Turkey either. After moving to Super Lig side Trabzonspor on a free transfer, the Ivory Coast international has played just 13 times for his new club.
Given he cost Arsenal more than £70million, Arteta’s willingness to let him leave on a free a year before his contract actually expired spoke volumes. He hasn’t been missed.
Cedric Soares
The German full-back initially avoided being moved on last summer, and made three Premier League appearances for Arsenal before heading to Fulham on loan in January. He’s failed to nail down a regular starting spot with the Cottagers though, and is likely to be left in limbo this summer.
Folarin Balogun
When the 22-year-old was sold to Monaco last summer in a £34.5m deal, it was considered a gamble from Arteta given his unfulfilled potential. And while the American international has not been missed by the Gunners in attack, he has shown glimpses of launching his career in France.
