2. Bernd Leno

Bernd Leno has strongly been linked with a move to Fulham. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
I certainly didn’t think Bernd Leno’s departure would be so difficult to facilitate. The German shot-stopper has generated interest from both Fulham and Benfica this summer. The newly promoted Cottagers are particularly keen to strike a deal.
However, Arsenal will only sell the keeper – who has just a year left on his deal – on their terms. They want £15m, but Fulham are currently only willing to offer £10m.
Leno, meanwhile, has reportedly asked Arsenal to lower their demands so he can make the switch to west London. The goalkeeper’s already agreed personal terms with the Cottagers.
Again, this is a deal that looks likely to happen – even if Fulham have started to sound out alternatives.
Linked clubs: Fulham, Benfica
Continued on the next slide…
depth issue that might cost them in 2022/23</a>. But, there’s still time in the transfer window to discover solutions. Arsenal have been busy this summer, but the latest reports suggest that players will have to depart before anyone else comes in.</p>
<h2>5 players Arsenal still need to sell this summer</h2>
<p>Several players have been linked with moves away, and here are five that the Gunners simply have to get off their books in the coming weeks.</p>
<h2>1. Hector Bellerin</h2>
<div id="attachment_127576" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-127576" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1407543133.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1407543133.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1407543133-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Hector Bellerin has featured in pre-season. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>Bellerin didn’t play a massive role on the tour after captaining the side against FC Nurnberg, and his situation in north London is a weird one.</p>
<p>Arsenal are seemingly waiting for Real Betis to make a viable proposal for the Spaniard after he spent the 2021/22 season out on loan there, but such an offer is yet to arrive.</p>
<p>Bellerin isn’t a woeful footballer and he could be useful as a second/third string option, but he’s far cry from the athletic demon he once was and it’s hard to envisage Mikel viewing his compatriot as part of his plans for the upcoming season.</p>
<p>There’s a feeling of inevitably over Bellerin’s departure, with the player keen to return to Spain.</p>
<p><strong>Linked clubs:</strong> Real Betis, Villarreal</p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #2 player that must go </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2>2. Bernd Leno</h2>
<div id="attachment_126150" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-126150" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1234920658.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1234920658.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1234920658-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Bernd Leno has strongly been linked with a move to Fulham. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>I certainly didn’t think Bernd Leno’s departure would be so difficult to facilitate. The German shot-stopper has generated interest from both Fulham and Benfica this summer. The newly promoted Cottagers are particularly keen to strike a deal.</p>
<p>However, Arsenal will only sell the keeper – who has just a year left on his deal – on their terms. They want £15m, but Fulham are currently only willing to offer £10m.</p>
<p>Leno, meanwhile, has <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://twitter.com/caughtoffside/status/1551253243434614784" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly asked Arsenal</a> to lower their demands so he can make the switch to west London. The goalkeeper’s already <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/07/arsenal-bernd-leno-edging-closer-fulham-move/">agreed personal terms</a> with the Cottagers.</p>
<p>Again, this is a deal that looks likely to happen – even if Fulham have started to sound out alternatives.</p>
<p><strong>Linked clubs:</strong> Fulham, Benfica</p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #3 player that must go </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2>3. Lucas Torreira</h2>
<div id="attachment_119997" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-119997" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1235676218.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Lucas Torreira" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1235676218.jpeg 1600w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1235676218-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Lucas Torreira has left the States for personal reasons. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>Torreira was interestingly a part of Arsenal’s pre-season tour, but he was forced to depart early without making an appearance due to ‘personal reasons’.</p>
<p>He hasn’t been in Arteta’s plans since the Spaniard took the job in late 2019 and he impressed out on loan at Fiorentina last season. La Viola, though, were unable to complete a permanent purchase.</p>
<p>Thus, Torreira is on the market once more with several clubs interested in acquiring his services. Juventus have been tenuously linked, as have AS Roma and his former club Sampdoria. But, right now, the most likely destination appears to be Spain.</p>
<p>Torreira’s agent revealed earlier this month that an <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/13/torreira-reaches-agreement-valencia-transfer/">agreement’s in place for his client to join Gennaro Gattuso at Valencia</a>, but whether the cash-stricken La Liga outfit can facilitate a transfer remains to be seen.</p>
<p>One thing’s for sure, though: Torreira will not be an Arsenal player next season.</p>
<p><strong>Linked clubs:</strong> Juventus, Valencia, Sampdoria, Roma</p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #4 player that must go </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2>4. Pablo Mari</h2>
<div id="attachment_126476" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-126476" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1065,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1240279054.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1065" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1240279054.jpeg 1600w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1240279054-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Pablo Mari impressed at Udinese last season. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>This pre-season has served as an untimely reminder of Pablo Mari’s incompetence. His Arsenal career began with <em>some</em> promise but it quickly became clear that the left-footed defender was not the answer to the club’s defensive woes.</p>
<p>Remember what Romelu Lukaku did to him at the start of last season? Chastening.</p>
<p>He certainly looked more at ease in the less frenetic Serie A playing as part of Udinese’s deeper block, but the Italian club will not be buying Mari outright. Arteta attempted to put the Spaniard in the shop window this summer, but his performances thus far have been pretty horrendous.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Fenerbahce have registered an interest in the defender with their manager, Jorge Jesus, keen to reunite with the Arsenal man after working with him at Flamengo. The Turkish giants could bring Mari in on loan for the 2022/23 season.</p>
<p><strong>Linked clubs:</strong> Fenerbahce</p>
<p><em>Continued on the next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> #5 player that must go </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><h2>5. Nicolas Pepe</h2>
<div id="attachment_127801" class="wp-caption alignnone">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-127801" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1409207608.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1409207608.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1409207608-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Arsenal will be forced to sell Nicolas Pepe for a bargain price this summer. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
<p>Nicolas Pepe is a pretty good character in the dressing room, all things told, and while things haven’t worked out on the pitch for the Ivorian under Arteta, he certainly hasn’t been a disruptive influence off it.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_127944" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Pepe endured a pretty indifferent US tour but he’s still “determined” to overturn his underwhelming Arsenal career.</p>
<p>“I worked hard during the summer. Change lot of things. I’m focus and determined with Arsenal and my teammates,” he captioned his <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://www.instagram.com/p/CgaGRURLKBH/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most recent Instagram post</a>.</p>
<p>The Ivorian certainly has the potential to provide competition for Bukayo Saka down the right flank, but rarely does he apply himself to the requisite standard. Arteta was hesitant to use him last season, and the club will certainly let him go if the right offer comes in before the end of the window.</p>
<p>The Gunners want to sign a high-level wide player to usurp Pepe.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="ZNjkSajvHV"><p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/takeaways-arsenal-us-preseason-tour/">4 takeaways from Arsenal’s US pre-season tour</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/5-players-arsenal-still-need-sell-summer/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/07/25/takeaways-arsenal-us-preseason-tour/embed/#?secret=ZNjkSajvHV" data-secret="ZNjkSajvHV" width="500" height="282" title="“4 takeaways from Arsenal’s US pre-season tour” — Pain in the Arsenal" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p></div>
<p><strong>Linked clubs:</strong> Newcastle, Sevilla, Leeds, Everton</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">