Wenger's mass clear-out leaves Arsenal exposed

Arsene Wenger aims to clear out the liabilities at Arsenal before going on a hiring spree this summer, according to British press reports.

Arsenal have opened discussions with a host of clubs over their unwanted stars as they attempt to slash £23 million off their wage bill this summer, the Daily Mail reported.

Negotiations have already taken place with Zenit St Petersburg over the permanent transfer of Andrey Arshavin, who spent the end of last season on loan at his boyhood club, it added.

Arsenal transfer fixer Dick Law is trying to offload Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson, Lukasz Fabianski and Carlos Vela as a priority in the next two weeks, according to the Mirror.

Bendtner has returned from a loan spell at Sunderland but they do not want to buy him and his most likely destination being Borussia Dortmund.

Arsenal are aware of interest from Espanyol in Mexico forward Carlos Vela, who spent last season at La Liga club Real Sociedad, while Bolton have taken a liking to Ryo Miyaichi back on loan after his spell last season.

The Gunners are also seeking buyers for Marouane Chamakh, Denilson and Johan Djourou.

Arsenal may also listen to offers for Johan Djourou as they look for a new centre half. The club are hoping to get rid of Sebastien Squillaci even though Spurs appear to have jumped ahead in the race to sign Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.
 
Manuel Almunia’s contract expires next month while fellow goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski also wants to leave, with both interested in newly promoted West Ham.

Their exits could see Wenger being busy during the transfer if he is serious about strengthening the squad for multiple campaigns next term.