As both players approach the twilight of their careers, they have still managed to command a significant combined transfer fee, providing Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp with resources to reinvest in his squad. Meanwhile, Arsenal, having already spent £200 million this summer, may need to offload several fringe players before making further signings.
Express Sport has highlighted four Arsenal players who could benefit from increased interest from Saudi Arabia. These potential transfers could generate a combined total of approximately £130 million, giving Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu more flexibility in the transfer market.
### Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney’s role under Arteta has diminished, with Oleksandr Zinchenko frequently preferred at left-back. While Tierney’s talent remains unquestionable, Arteta’s tactical preference for full-backs who can drift into midfield has limited the Scotsman’s playing opportunities. Tierney may now seek regular first-team football elsewhere. Newcastle United and Celtic have shown interest but are yet to meet Arsenal’s £30 million valuation. This asking price, while steep for European clubs, may not pose a problem for Saudi Arabian teams, who have shown a willingness to pay top dollar for established stars like Tierney.
### Albert Sambi Lokonga
Albert Sambi Lokonga appears to be on his way out of Arsenal after failing to impress Arteta. He was notably excluded from the club’s pre-season tour in the United States, indicating that he is not part of the manager’s plans. Burnley, managed by his former Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany, is considered the most likely destination. However, it remains unclear whether Arsenal will pursue a permanent sale or another loan move. If Arsenal opts to sell, Saudi clubs could easily outbid Burnley and help recoup much of the £15 million Arsenal spent on Lokonga in 2021. Although Arsenal rejected a £7 million bid from Monaco earlier this year, a fee closer to £10 million might be sufficient for his departure.
### Thomas Partey
The arrival of Declan Rice has cast doubt on Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal, particularly as he has just two years left on his contract. Entering his thirties, Partey’s situation poses a dilemma for the club, which may see this as the last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee for the Ghanaian midfielder. Saudi clubs have already expressed interest, and a bid in the region of £40 million could tempt Arsenal to sell, especially given recent Middle Eastern moves for high-profile players like Fabinho. Juventus has also been linked, but Saudi Arabia remains a more likely destination.
### Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun is another player who could exit the Emirates, particularly as he is keen on a permanent move rather than another loan spell. Despite excelling at Reims last season, Balogun desires a first-choice striker role that Arsenal may not be able to offer. While Arsenal has set his price tag at £50 million, Inter Milan pulled out of negotiations due to the high valuation, turning their attention to West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca instead. However, Saudi clubs, known for pursuing young talent, could emerge as serious contenders to secure the promising striker’s signature.
