Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Bukayo Saka’s recent contract extension, tying the star winger to the club until 2031. The England international’s commitment secures one of the Gunners’ brightest talents for the long haul, but it also shines a spotlight on the remaining six players whose deals are set to expire in 2027. With just over a year left on their contracts, Arsenal must decide whether to renew, sell, or let them walk for free.
As we approach the summer transfer window, the clock is ticking. If these players don’t sign new deals by January 2027, they could negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs, leaving Arsenal empty-handed. The club has already navigated similar situations wisely in the past, but this crop presents a mix of aging squad players, underperformers, and potential gems. Based on their current form, roles, and market value, it’s clear that only two deserve to be spared and offered extensions. The rest? It’s time to say goodbye and cash in while possible.
Here’s a breakdown of the six players and why Arsenal should move on from most of them.
Leandro Trossard: Time to Cash In
Leandro Trossard, the Belgian forward who joined from Brighton in January 2023, saw his contract bumped up in the summer of 2025 with a pay rise, but notably without an extension beyond 2027. This short-term adjustment fended off suitors at the time, but it now feels like a prelude to an exit.
Trossard has been a reliable impact sub this season, netting five goals in 23 Premier League appearances (16 starts). His versatility and knack for game-changing moments from the bench have been invaluable, but at 31, he’s no longer a guaranteed starter. With younger options emerging and Arsenal’s attack evolving, Trossard risks being left behind. Selling him this summer could fetch a decent fee, allowing him a fresh challenge elsewhere while freeing up wages for new signings. Verdict: Done at Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus: Reasonable to Sell
Gabriel Jesus’s Arsenal journey has been a rollercoaster since his 2022 arrival from Manchester City. Injuries have plagued him, and the signing of Viktor Gyokeres in the summer pushed him further down the pecking order. Jesus returned in December and has shown flashes of quality, scoring five goals in 18 games, including a memorable brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
In a candid press conference last month, Jesus expressed his desire to stay: “My wish is to stay at Arsenal… I want to extend my contract. I want to stay and I want to win trophies with Arsenal because I came here with a purpose.” However, with doubts lingering over Gyokeres’ consistency and Arsenal eyeing another striker to bolster the frontline, Jesus’s role looks limited. At 29, he still holds market value, and selling him could fund reinforcements. Keeping him as depth is an option, but the smart move is to part ways. Verdict: Done at Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli: One to Spare
Gabriel Martinelli’s season has been a tale of two competitions. In the Premier League, he’s struggled with just one goal in 21 games, but in the Champions League, he’s dazzled with six goals in seven outings. The 24-year-old Brazilian, signed from Ituano in 2019, faces stiff competition from Trossard and summer arrival Eberechi Eze, who hasn’t fully ignited yet.
Despite the inconsistencies, Martinelli’s youth and proven potential make him worth retaining. Arsenal’s upward trajectory doesn’t require a full squad overhaul, and if Trossard departs, Martinelli could reclaim his spot on the left wing. A new contract would protect his value—ensuring a big profit if sold later—while giving him time to rediscover his form. He’s still young enough to grow into a key player under Mikel Arteta. Verdict: Spare him—offer an extension.
Christian Norgaard: The Other One Worth Keeping
Christian Norgaard arrived from Brentford on a two-year deal in the summer of 2025, providing midfield depth and experience. Now 32 (his birthday is in March), he’s made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, but he’s embraced his squad role without complaint.
In a January interview, Norgaard reflected positively: “It’s been a fantastic experience for me so far this season. I would have obviously loved to have played more minutes, but the minutes that I’ve had so far, I’ve really enjoyed. Even though I’m not playing as much, I still try to contribute with everything I can around the group.” Arsenal signed him knowing he wouldn’t be a regular starter, and he’s delivered on that front. With no immediate need to replace him, letting him see out the final year makes sense—no extension yet, but he’s a low-risk, high-character presence. Verdict: Spare him—for now.
Fabio Vieira: No Future, Sell Now
Fabio Vieira, the Portuguese attacking midfielder signed from Porto in 2022, is currently on loan at Hamburg, who secured promotion back to the Bundesliga. The Germans have a €20m option to buy, which would shatter their transfer record, though reports suggest they’re negotiating a lower fee.
Vieira told Bild this month: “Staying in Hamburg is one of the options… But these are things I cannot control. We’ll see what happens in the summer. My focus is on Hamburg, but in principle, I have a contract with Arsenal until 2027, and I will respect that.” Despite his talent, Vieira has failed to cement a place at Arsenal, and his loan spell is a clear signal of his expendable status. Even if Hamburg balks at the price, Arsenal should cut their losses and sell to any interested party. His time at the Emirates is over. Verdict: Done at Arsenal.
Reiss Nelson: Overdue Departure
Reiss Nelson, a homegrown talent who’s been with Arsenal since childhood, is on loan at Brentford, where injuries have limited him to no Premier League starts despite the Bees’ solid form. Brentford holds an option to buy, but it’s uncertain if they’ll exercise it given his minimal impact.
At 26, Nelson’s potential has plateaued. Arsenal recognized this with Emile Smith Rowe’s sale in 2024, and it’s time to do the same here. If he returns from loan, there’s no squad role waiting—better to sell and reinvest in youth or proven quality. Nelson’s Arsenal story is one of unfulfilled promise; a fresh start elsewhere benefits everyone. Verdict: Done at Arsenal.
Arsenal’s Contract Crunch: A Strategic Opportunity
With Saka locked in, Arsenal’s focus shifts to these six. Only Martinelli and Norgaard warrant extensions or retention—the former for his upside, the latter for his reliability in a bit-part role. The others represent opportunities to generate funds and refresh the squad, aligning with Arteta’s vision of sustained title challenges.
Selling Trossard, Jesus, Vieira, and Nelson could bring in significant revenue, especially with their contracts winding down. Arsenal must act decisively this summer to avoid losing them for nothing. As the club eyes more trophies, trimming the deadwood will ensure they’re primed for success.
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