Arsenal may reportedly have to consider parting ways with either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard in order to raise funds for their summer business.
The Gunners ended the January transfer window without a single new signing to their name, a bold move from the hierarchy given that Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus were already out of contention for the long-term.
Arsenal's risky move could hardly have backfired in more spectacular fashion, as with Martinelli and Kai Havertz now out, they have fallen 13 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table.
With the title race in England essentially a foregone conclusion, Mikel Arteta is relying on the Champions League for a slice of success this season, as Arsenal prepare to face PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their last-16 battle next Tuesday.
The Gunners will be doing so with only Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri to pick from up front, leading to the expectation that Mikel Merino will be utilised in a makeshift number nine role once more.
Martinelli, Trossard 'attracting interest' from Saudi Pro League
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A new striker is expected to be at the top of the agenda for Arsenal's new sporting director this summer; the North London giants are expected to make a decision in March after whittling down their candidates to a five-man shortlist.
Now, The Mirror claims that one of either Martinelli or Trossard might be moved on to help raise funds for a new number nine amid links with Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, none of whom will arrive on the cheap.
As well as a fresh face in the striker's slot, another wide man is also said to be high on Arteta's shortlist, as the Gunners boss is 'determined' to oversee a major reshuffle ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Both Trossard and Martinelli are alleged to be on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, although 'extensive' contract talks have apparently been held with the former, even though he is now in his 30s.
Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Martinelli was also in line for fresh terms in North London, but Arsenal could seemingly also perform a U-turn on their decision to hand him a renewal too.
Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams is understood to be a prime wide target for the Gunners this summer, but the report adds that Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is also admired by the capital club.
Who else could Arsenal sell to fund summer business?
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Arsenal are likely to lose two big earners for nothing at the end of the season, as Thomas Partey and Jorginho's deals expire in June, and the latter is already said to have agreed a transfer to South America.
Meanwhile, defensive duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior should be on the chopping block after falling down the pecking order, while Kieran Tierney's imminent return to Celtic has been confirmed.
Loanees Sterling and Neto will also be heading back to their parent clubs when their temporary stays are up; the latter's exit will likely force Arsenal into the goalkeeping market too.
Espanyol's Joan Garcia is thought to be their number one pick in between the sticks, but Arsenal are now believed to be facing added competition to capture the Spaniard this summer.
Ben Knapton
