Arsenal Rumours: Wenger finally planning summer clear-out

According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is planning a summer clear-out in order to free up funds for potential transfers and also aid in retaining Arsenal’s key players.

It is well known that Arsenal have a relatively flat wage structure compared to other clubs with a number of fringe players reportedly receiving £40,000 and upwards.

Currently Andrey Arshavin (£75,000), Marouane Chamakh (£60,000), Manuel Almunia (£60,000), Sebastian Squillaci (£50,000), Nicklas Bendtner (£50,000),Carlos Vela (£50,000) and Park Chu-Young (£40,000) all reportedly fall under this category.

While Almunia will definitely be going due to his contract expiring at the end of this season as well as Bendtner and Vela after successful loan spells, Arsenal may have difficulties off-loading other fringe players simply due to the fact that similar inflated salaries are very unlikely to be offered outside the Emirates.

If successful though it is reported that the newly sourced funds will be used to help retain key players Robin van Persie and Alex Song by offering each new and improved contracts reported to be in the region of £120,000 and £75,000 respectively, while young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also expected to get a pay-rise for a strong of impressive performances in his debut season.

As well as player retention, it is also reported that Arsene is also freeing up funds for transfer targets that primarily include Cologne striker Lukas Podolski and Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila.

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There is no doubt for a long time Arsenal fans have been calling for Arsene Wenger to cut-off the dead weight and if rumours are to be believed it seems this coming transfer window could finally be the one in which it will happen. The wages given to some of these players is simply much too high and there is no doubt the funds could be used better elsewhere. Personally, fingers crossed it happens!