Arsenal confirm 22 departures and ongoing contract talks with three players

Cedric Soares has left Arsenal after four-and-a-half years (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal have confirmed the release of 22 players at the end of their contracts this month, with three more still in discussions over whether they will sign new deals.

The majority of the releases are academy talents who have not been able to make it into the first team, although there are some more familiar names on the list of dpeartures.

Mohamed Elneny has been with the Gunners since January 2016, signed by Arsene Wenger, but his time in north London is at an end.

The Egyptian was rarely a regular in the starting XI, but made 161 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and winning the FA Cup in 2017.

Cedric Soares is another first team departure, with the Portugal international leaving after four-and-a-half years at the Emirates.

The 32-year-old initially joined on loan from Southampton before making the deal permanent and made 64 appearances for the Gunners.

On the departuers, an Arsenal statement read: ‘We thank all the players leaving us for their contributions to the club. You will always be part of the Arsenal family and we wish you all the best of health and happiness in your futures.’

Mohamed Elneny with assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg on the final game of the season (Picture: Getty Images)

The club also noted that there are three further players who will see their current contracts expire on 30 June, but discussions are ongoing and their exits are not yet confirmed.

Those three players are Amario Cozier-Duberry, Karl Hein and Reuell Walters.

It is something of a surprise to see that Walters is not a guaranteed departure as he posted on social media earlier this month: ‘Thank you to everyone that’s made this part of my career special. It’s been a pleasure playing for this club and I wish you all the best for the future.’

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