Mikel Arteta has cleared out three first-team players this summer as he accelerates a major squad overhaul designed to keep Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The Spaniard, who led the club to the title last season, is offloading those he deems below the required standard while recruiting upgrades to fill gaps.
Jakub Kiwior was the first to go. The Polish defender completed a permanent switch to Porto earlier this month for £14.6million plus add-ons, following a loan spell with the Portuguese club last season. His departure was hastened by the arrival of Piero Hincapie, who became a crowd favourite at the Emirates with his dependable, passionate displays. Hincapie’s permanent £34.5m deal was confirmed last month, making him the direct successor to Kiwior as a physically imposing defender comfortable at both centre-back and left-back. Kiwior, aware his opportunities would be limited, was granted Arteta’s blessing to seek a fresh challenge.
“Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has sold Kiwior, Hein and Trossard as he revamps his title-winning squad.”
Karl Hein, the 24-year-old Estonian international, has also turned his loan move to Werder Bremen into a permanent transfer, confirmed in May. Hein made his only Arsenal first-team appearance in the EFL Cup third round against Brighton in November 2022. After loans at Reading, Real Valladolid and Werder Bremen, he was deemed surplus to requirements. In his place, Arsenal boast several deputies to David Raya, including Tommy Setford, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Illan Meslier, who arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United earlier this month on a two-year contract.
The most notable exit, however, is Leandro Trossard’s £17m move to Besiktas, confirmed last week. The Belgian was key in Arsenal clinching the title during the latter stages of last season. His departure, along with Kiwior and Hein, signals Arteta’s ruthless pursuit of higher quality as he prepares to defend the Premier League crown.