Arsenal Release List Reveals Departures Across Men’s, Women’s and Academy Teams
Arsenal have officially confirmed a significant round of squad changes, with 15 players set to leave the club once their contracts expire at the end of June 2026.
The announcement came as part of the club’s annual retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign. The departures affect multiple levels of the club, including the senior women’s team and several academy prospects.
Academy Talent Among Those Moving On
A number of young players will be seeking new opportunities away from North London after being released by the club.
Those departing from Arsenal’s academy setup include Samuel Onyekachukwu, Sam Chapman, Will Lannin-Sweet, Cam’ron Ismail, Seb Ferdinand, Harrison Dudziak, Josh Nichols, and Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko.
Among the more recognizable names are Josh Nichols and Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko, both of whom spent time training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.
Nichols, who previously made a senior appearance during a League Cup fixture, has already secured the next stage of his career with Croatian side NK Kustosija.
Women’s Team Experiences Significant Changes
The club also confirmed the exit of several members of Renee Slegers’ squad despite the team’s recent European success.
Players leaving the women’s side include Beth Mead, Katie McCabe, Victoria Pelova, Laia Codina, Barbora Votikova, Naomi Williams, and Manuela Zinsberger.
Many of these players played important roles during Arsenal’s memorable UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph, making their departures one of the most notable developments of the summer.
Contract Discussions Continue Behind the Scenes
Not every contract situation has been finalized, however.
Arsenal revealed that negotiations remain active with three players whose current agreements are nearing expiration. Discussions are ongoing with Caitlin Foord, while academy prospects Aleksander Marciniak and Joshua Ogunnaike are also engaged in talks regarding potential extensions.
The club has not yet indicated when final decisions on those negotiations are expected.
Premier League Champions Maintain Core First-Team Squad
One key takeaway from the announcement is the absence of senior men’s first-team players from the released list.
That development suggests Mikel Arteta is keen to preserve the nucleus of the squad that delivered Arsenal’s historic domestic success last season.
The Gunners finally ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, producing one of the club’s most memorable campaigns in recent history.
Although they conquered England, disappointment followed on the European stage after losing the UEFA Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Attention Turns to Community Shield Clash
With preparations already underway for the upcoming campaign, Arsenal’s next competitive assignment has been confirmed.
The Premier League champions will face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on August 16 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Having lifted the trophy on 17 previous occasions, Arsenal will be looking to begin the new season with silverware against the reigning FA Cup holders.
Analysis: Arsenal Balancing Stability and Transition
The latest squad update highlights Arsenal’s effort to balance continuity with long-term planning.
While several academy players and senior women’s stars are moving on, the decision to retain the core of Mikel Arteta’s title-winning men’s squad demonstrates the club’s desire to build on recent achievements rather than overhaul the team.
Gossip News Now recalls that successful clubs often make difficult personnel decisions during transition periods. Arsenal’s latest moves appear designed to create space for future development while maintaining the foundation that recently delivered domestic glory.
The coming weeks could prove equally important as negotiations continue with remaining out-of-contract players and preparations intensify for another campaign filled with major expectations.
