As well as signing a new midfielder, probable defender (Riccardo Calafiori), and maybe a striker, Arsenal have a big set of transfer tasks on their hands this summer. In order to continue to afford their ambitious recruitment plans, sales need to follow.
It has already been six full summer windows since the Gunners last sold a player for over £30 million, and that was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Alexis Sanchez departed six months later. Since that 2017/18 season they have sold Alex Iwobi (£25m), Emiliano Martinez (£15m, Granit Xhaka (£12m), and Folarin Balogun (£25m).
That is the full list of players meeting the criteria, and it is why even with improvements on the pitch bringing with increased financial reward via prize money, broadcast revenue, and also general matchday income, the club have been bound by profitability and sustainability rules. The easiest way to shift the figures in their favour – and create room for new additions – is to sell.
Now a USMNT international, Balogun banked the club a big sum last summer and it proved vital for allowing them to do business. Although Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz all cost more than Balogun, his money was plunged straight into the accounts as ‘pure profit’ and therefore frees up room immediately.
If Arsenal are to bring in the desired players this window – and a deal for Calafiori is progressing well – then moving on Nketiah may well prove to be just as important as the departure of Balogun. It is no surprise that with his reduced role in the side during 2023/24 under Mikel Arteta – he started just 10 league games, playing only 1,100 minutes – an exit is being sought.
