Darren Bent names the ‘first’ player Arsenal will sell this summer | Football

Mikel Arteta has said he is ‘very excited’ about the summer transfer window and expects to oversee a ‘big’ period of spending to help take Arsenal the ‘next step’.

Arsenal are expected to invest heavily on a new striker in the summer after failing to bolster Arteta’s attacking options during the January transfer window.

The Gunners did express interest in signing several forwards – even making an official bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins – but their failure to complete a deal has proved costly since the window shut.

Arsenal still had hopes of chasing down Premier League leaders Liverpool a few months ago but have since slipped 12 points adrift of Arne Slot’s side.

As well as signing a striker, Arteta is also keen to bring a new midfielder to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Martin Zubimendi heavily linked with a move.

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A big-spending summer will require some departures, however, and ex-England striker Darren Bent believes Gabriel Jesus will be the ‘first to go’ when the transfer window reopens.

Jesus suffered a season-ending injury in January but had underwhelmed for Arsenal even before that blow, scoring 26 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

Asked which players he expects Arsenal to offload to make way for incoming signings, Bent said on talkSPORT: ‘Gabriel Jesus. He’s got to go.

‘I think he will be the first to go, Gabriel Jesus. Because when I think of the left side, it’s Trossard and Martinelli.

‘You keep Trossard for an option off the bench, but not as a starter; he plays too many minutes. You’ve got Trossard and Martinelli on the left.

‘Centre-forward, you’ve got Havertz at the minute and Gabriel Jesus. Gabriel Jesus can go. On the right, you’ve got Saka and Nwaneri. It’s that centre-forward role, I think, that needs to be looked at.’

Arteta ‘very excited’ for summer transfer window

Arsenal were one of the few Premier League clubs not to make any signings in January.

Arteta expects a different approach from the Gunners in the summer, however, telling reporters: ‘It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it.

‘When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

‘Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary.

‘But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.’

Arsenal appointed ex-Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director over the weekend.

Berta, who will be in charge of the club’s transfers, said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.

‘I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

‘The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.

‘I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.’

After over two weeks without a game, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Tuesday night against London rivals Fulham.

Arteta’s side then face Everton this weekend before turning attentions to a huge Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.

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