Arsene Wenger Arsenal

Wenger admits Arsenal will sell amid Alexis rumours

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he will “let some players go” before the summer transfer deadline passes.

The Gunners have spent much of the window so far fending off exit rumours surrounding the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal to win any major trophy - 15/8

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They have also added to their ranks, with Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac having made a positive impression since arriving in north London.

Wenger is eager to ensure that he retains healthy competition within his squad, but has conceded that he may need to whittle his numbers down in order to achieve that.

“To be honest, the number is too high,” the Frenchman said following a Community Shield victory over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea

Arsene Wenger Arsenal exitsPlaying Surface

“We will let some players go. Too much competition for places is detrimental, but not enough competition for places is detrimental as well.”

Arsenal have already parted with Wojciech Szczesny and Yaya Sanogo, while Emiliano Martinez has gone out on loan.

Wenger urges Arsenal unity

Spanish striker Lucas Perez could be another of those to head for the exits, having endured a frustrating 12 months at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have, however, sought to play down any suggestion that star forward Sanchez or Sunday’s penalty shoot-out match-winner Giroud could be allowed to depart.

They are considered to be key figures heading forward, with Wenger eager to build on a first trophy triumph of the season – with Arsenal edging out Chelsea on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

Chelsea vs Arsenal

He added: “I believe the quality of the game was very good.

“Even when we were 1-0 down we did not panic and kept control of the game and came back.

Elneny hoping for Arsenal momentum

“The problem for the managers is to maintain that spirit through the season, through the difficult periods, and maintain that togetherness as well.

"There will be some disappointments through the season, so it is important that we focus on keeping together through every single game.”

Arsenal will open the 2017-18 Premier League season with a home date against Leicester City on Friday.

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