Mikel Arteta confirms departures of four players as Arsenal summer plans begin
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that preparations for the club’s summer rebuild are already underway following their 2-1 victory over Southampton on the final day of the Premier League season.
The win at St Mary’s ensured the Gunners finished second in the league for a third consecutive year, but Arteta admitted that major changes are needed if the team is to mount a serious title challenge next season.
The Spaniard revealed that four players – Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, and goalkeeper Neto – will leave the club, marking the start of a summer of significant squad restructuring.
“It was important to win it, and important as well to say goodbye to a few players who have left our football club,” Arteta said. “To say thank you for their contribution.”
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Left-back Kieran Tierney, who is expected to return to Celtic, marked his final appearance for the Gunners with a rare goal in what was an emotional farewell.
What a great bloke. He deserves to score on his final ever game for the club.
Kieran Tierney. We’ll remember you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z084Yo0p5L
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 25, 2025
“[Kieran] mentioned it yesterday, he said ‘I’m going to score in my last game’ and he certainly did it,” Arteta said. “Some of them, like Kieran, have been on this journey for six years with us. Jorginho, Neto and Raheem as well – we have to thank them and wish them the best.”
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Arsenal’s need for reinforcements is clear after a season in which injuries to key forwards Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz left the team short in attack. Notably, no Arsenal player managed to reach double figures in league goals – a feat last seen over a century ago.
Arteta stressed that the summer will be crucial as the club looks to strengthen and return even stronger.
“It’s time to reflect, time to reset, and get our energy back,” he said. “It’s been a really demanding season that has stretched us all, but the culture and mindset at this club have helped us push through to the very end. To perform with the resources we had at the highest level until the last day – that’s remarkable.”
With the season now concluded, all eyes will be on the Emirates as Arsenal begin their pursuit of new signings to finally take the next step under Arteta.
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