Havertz deal forces Arteta into gut-wrenching sale of one of two Arsenal forwards, as four-man clear out looms

Arsenal are gearing up for a mini clear out with a defender, two midfielders and one of two forwards all set to depart, per a report.

The Gunners look set to splash the cash this summer, with big-money moves currently being worked on for Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Romeo Lavia and Kai Havertz.

The latter on that list is expected to cost around £65m to sign from Chelsea and personal terms with Arsenal have already been agreed.

Precisely where the Germany international would play in Mikel Arteta’s system isn’t clear. However, the position Havertz featured in more than most last season was centre-forward.

Gabriel Jesus is currently Arteta’s first choice in that regard, while Eddie Nketiah provides back-up and there’s a decision to be made on Folarin Balogun.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season while loaned to French side Reims last year, bagging an impressive 21 goals in Ligue 1 alone.

However, according to the Independent, a Havertz arrival is likely to see one of Balogun and Nketiah forced out. Which attacker is given the boot will be up to Arteta.

Nketiah performed well during Jesus’ absence with a knee injury last season and only signed a new contract at the Emirates last June.

Both he and Balogun are homegrown stars and the decision on who should make way will be an agonising one for Arteta.

Three more Arsenal stars to leave

Elsewhere, the Independent add three further first-team stars could be sold – Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

Tierney has interest from within the Premier League. Indeed, Aston Villa and Newcastle have both been linked with moves worth around £25m-£30m.

Xhaka has already agreed a £13m switch to Bayer Leverkusen and his deal will cross the line once Arsenal get a direct replacement through the door.

Partey, meanwhile, is courting interest from European sides as well as those in Saudi Arabia.

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