Arsenal players who could fetch big money via a Saudi sale

From out of nowhere, the Saudi Pro League have popped up to poach players out from European leagues either via big money moves or tempting eye-watering money incentives, but despite Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) taking an interest in a host of players from across top European sides, little eyes have fallen on Arsenal.

With the summer transfer window heating up, speculation surrounds the potential moves of key Arsenal players, with the club looking to raise funds for new signings, particularly with the club having submitted a record bid of €105 million for Declan Rice.

Hence, this raises questions as to which Arsenal stars could fetch a big money move to the Saudi Pro League.

Nicolas Pepe, the talented winger who spent the previous season on loan at Nice, is reportedly set to leave the Emirates. Despite no permanent deal being in the works with Nice, Pepe’s future in Arsenal seems uncertain, especially as he has just one year left on his contract.

Sources suggest that the Ivorian international is open to a move to Saudi Arabia, where several high-profile players have recently made the switch.

However, it is unlikely that Arsenal will recoup the full £72 million they paid for Pepe back in 2019.

Another player attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs is Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. Multiple sources indicate that Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, is among the suitors vying for his signature.

Furthermore, Partey has reportedly been offered a lucrative two-year contract worth $200 million to play in the Saudi Pro League. Juventus, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, is also said to be monitoring the situation and may submit a £17 million bid for the 30-year-old.

Granit Xhaka, a Swiss international midfielder, is also linked with a move abroad.

While Bayer Leverkusen was initially touted as the front-runner for his signature, Bayern Munich has now entered the picture, potentially hijacking Leverkusen’s plans. Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal could pave the way for new signings, as manager Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen the squad.

Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny could also find himself leaving Arsenal this summer. With the club reportedly eyeing midfield options like Declan Rice, Elneny might be deemed surplus to requirements. Although he signed a one-year contract extension in January, a move away from the Emirates could be on the cards.

Completing the list of potential departures is right-back Cedric Soares, who spent the previous season on loan at Fulham. Arsenal is said to consider him surplus to requirements, and his representatives are actively seeking a new team for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

As Saudi Arabian clubs make significant waves in the transfer market, it remains to be seen how many of these rumored Arsenal departures will materialize.

However, with the need to raise funds for new signings, the Emirates could witness a considerable shake-up in its squad during this summer transfer window.