Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice react as another Arsenal exit confirmed
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were among the Arsenal players to react after an emotional departure behind the scenes was confirmed.
Arsenal are preparing for what could be a hectic summer transfer window, with both arrivals and departures expected.
After finishing second for a third consecutive season, Mikel Arteta is already under pressure to finally deliver silverware, with talk of his future beginning to circulate ahead of the new campaign.
Outgoings have already begun, with Kieran Tierney and Jorginho confirming their Arsenal exits and new clubs. Thomas Partey could be next, with no agreement yet reached on a new deal and his current contract due to expire on 30 June.
Now, it appears the shake-up isn’t limited to the squad, with a key member of Arsenal’s backroom staff has also confirmed their departure, prompting a wave of reactions from current players.
Carlos Cuesta set to become Parma manager after confirmed Arsenal exit
It was confirmed on 18 June that Arteta’s assistant, Carlos Cuesta, will be leaving Arsenal this summer, as he is set to take on a managerial role with Serie A side Parma.
The highly rated coach posted an emotional farewell message on Instagram, thanking supporters, players, and Arteta for their support during his time at the club.
Plenty of Arsenal players responded to the post, with Saka, Rice and Ethan Nwaneri all liking the message. Former Gunners Granit Xhaka and Kieran Tierney also showed their appreciation.
Cuesta is widely regarded as one of the best young coaches in the game. He joined Arsenal in 2020 following spells at Juventus and Atletico Madrid and would become the second-youngest head coach in Serie A history.
At 29, he’s currently set to become the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues, with the challenge of leading Parma who finished 16th in Serie A last season.
Arsenal close in on new Myles Lewis-Skelly contract
While several departures have already been confirmed this summer, the Gunners are also working to secure the future of a key talent.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on 18 June that Myles Lewis-Skelly is close to agreeing a new long-term deal at Arsenal despite speculation around his future.
Lewis-Skelly reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid, with just one year remaining on his current contract.
However, the Hale End graduate is now expected to commit his future to Arsenal after breaking into the first-team setup last season and will be a significant boost for the club heading into the new campaign.