Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has shown an unwillingness to invest in Arsenal this term. The Gunners are in fourth place and still playing in the Europa League. Regardless of how well Arsenal are performing, their biggest stars could be influenced to leave in the summer.
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke could influence player exodus
Defender Nacho Monreal could follow midfielder Aaron Ramsey out the Emirates exit in the summer. The Sun reports Monreal is being targetted by Barcelona on a free transfer.
According to the newspaper, Arsenal want to cut their wage budget this summer and the losses of Ramsey and Monreal could enable them to meet their overall wage slash goal.
Sportrac reports that Ramsey’s Arsenal contract is worth £6.24 million a season. Monreal is on £3.64m and losing both players would save the team nearly £10m a year.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech is set to retire once the season ends. Cech’s departure will cut a further £5.72m from the team’s wage bill.
Injured forward Danny Welbeck is also out of contract in the summer. Emery could lose five first-team players as Stephen Lichtsteiner’s future is also up in the air.
Manager Unai Emery could have difficulty recruiting players without money available to bring in new transfers. Emery may have to dip into the loan market or free agent market.
However, it is highly doubtful the Gunners can find the same quality to replace those players exiting the Emirates. Emery’s hands seem to be tied by the Arsenal owner.
Despite a lack of funds for new players, Arsenal are in the Europa League last-16. The Gunners will resume their European campaign next Thursday against France’s Rennes.
Before the Gunners can turn their attention to the Europa League, they will play Tottenham in the North London Derby on Saturday.
The Gunners have won just three of their last 10 derbies against Spurs.
