Arsenal have already offloaded eight players as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta gear up for another big summer transfer window.
Max Dowman has led tributes to the Arsenal players who have already been offloaded this summer. Last week, the Gunners announced that seven Hale End prospects will leave the Emirates Stadium following the expiry of their contracts at the end of the month.
Arsenal confirmed that Harrison Dudziak, Sebastian Ferdinand, Cam’ron Ismail, William Lannin-Sweet, and Joshua Nichols have already found new clubs and will depart on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Samuel Chapman and Samuel Onyekachukwu have been released.
Nichols was the first to break his silence, penning an emotional statement on social media. Reflecting on his ‘special’ spell at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, the 19-year-old defender described it as an honour to represent Arsenal.
On Instagram, he wrote: “It’s hard to put into words what this club means to me. This hasn’t just been a team I’ve played for. It’s been a second family, a place where I started as a little boy, made lifelong memories, and shared unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch with my brothers!
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“Over the past decade, I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, the victories, the disappointments, and everything in between. Through it all, my love for this club has never changed.
“Wearing this badge has always been an honour, and every time I stepped onto the pitch, I gave everything I had because this club means so much to me. I want to thank every teammate, coach, supporter, and, most importantly, my family for making these years so special.
“I loved every single moment. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Thank you @arsenal [red heart emoji].”
William Saliba, Viktor Gyokeres, and Ethan Nwaneri were among the thousands of friends, fans, and family to ‘like’ the post, while Dowman led tributes in the comment section. The Arsenal midfielder wrote: “All the best, my brother [four red heart emojis].”
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Jurrien Timber, Reiss Nelson, and Tommy Setford also showed their support for Nichols, posting red heart emojis. Onyekachukwu followed suit a few days later.
On Instagram, the 18-year-old defender wrote: “It’s been tough, but after 7 incredible years at Arsenal, my time has come to an end. I’m grateful to every coach, staff member, teammate, and supporter who has been part of my journey. Thank you for the memories, lessons, friendships, and unwavering support through every high and low.
“Wearing this badge has been a privilege and something I’ll always be proud of. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner [red heart emoji]. Most importantly, thank You, God, for Your faithfulness, guidance, and every opportunity along the way. The best is yet to come. [praying hands and red heart emojis].”
Again, Dowman was in the comments to show his support, and he was the only first-team player to do so. Ferdinand glossed over the announcement, captioning a collection of holiday pictures: “Recharging, life’s all about balance.”
The Premier League then confirmed that Alexei Rojas turned down the chance to extend his stay at Arsenal, rejecting a contract offer. In a statement on Instagram, the 20-year-old goalkeeper claimed he’s taken the ‘best step’ in his career and that ‘great things are achieved by taking bold risks’.
Meanwhile, Sam Chapman didn’t address his departure, but the Georgia Southern University Men’s Soccer team in the United States announced his arrival back in April. Lannin-Sweet, who doesn’t appear to be on social media, Ismail, and Dudziak have yet to publicly comment on their exits.
The summer transfer window opens on Monday, June 15, and Arsenal are expected to splash the cash again, with Mikel Arteta’s total spend as head coach set to exceed £1billion.
