Arsenal began their summer clear out by announcing the release of goalkeeping flop Manuel Almunia on Tuesday with Andrei Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner also expected to move on.
Almunia, who has hardly played a game over the past couple of years, will leave the London side after making 175 appearances since joining the Gunners in 2004. Newly promoted West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing the Spaniard while another Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who is expected to leave the Emirates, is also piquing the interest of the Hammers.
Arsenal have reportedly opened discussions with several clubs over their unwanted stars in a bid to slash their wage bill.
The Gunners are trying to make wage room to buy big players this summer to convince contract rebel Robin Van Persie to stay with the Gunners. Apart from the signing of Lukas Podolski, Rennes enforcer Yann M'Villa is reportedly close to signing on the dotted line with the likes of Lucas Biglia, Javi Martinez, Moussa Dembele, Junior Hoilett and Etienne Capoue also on Arsene Wenger's radar.
Eden Hazard remains a possibility with his agent recently saying a fourth club has entered the running for the signature of the Belgian wizard.
Negotiations have already taken place between Zenit St Petersburg and Arsenal over the transfer of Andrei Arshavin. The Russian fell down the pecking order at the Emirates and went out on loan to Zenit at the end of last season, where he helped them win the Russian league title. Arsenal will look to get as much money as possible for Arshavin, who is their record signing, costing them over $20 million in 2009.
Another player Arsenal will be keen to move on is Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish striker spent the entire season on loan at Sunderland last campaign and has stated his intentions to not play for Arsenal again. German champions Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in acquiring the striker with the German club's star forward Robert Lewandowski rumored to move the other way.
Arsenal are tracking Polish international Lewandowski, who has just a year left on his contract with Dortmund. Lewandowski's team-mate Shinji Kagawa is also a player that interests Wenger, but Manchester United are favorites to land the Japanese midfielder with Dortmund expecting over $20 million for the 23-year old.
Mexican international Carlos Vela is also expected to move on, with Espanyol and Real Betis expected to bid for the diminutive striker. Vela spent the entire last season on loan to Real Sociedad and, like Bendtner, has said he believes his future lies outside Arsenal.
The Gunners will also look to sell Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, with Italian club Fiorentina showing interest. A swap deal with Chamakh going to Fiorentina and midfielder Adam Ljajic coming to Arsenal has been mooted.
Other big earners Sebastian Squillaci, Johan Djourou, Denilson and Park Ju Young are also expected to leave the club.
Meanwhile, The Gunners confirmed Jack Wilshere had undergone a successful minor surgery on his left knee in Sweden and is expected to return to the club for rehabilitation. Arsenal remained confident Wilshere, who missed the entire last season with a stress fracture, will be fit to play next season.
