Arsenal Announce Exit Of 15 Players As Contract Discussions Continue With Three Others

Arsenal have announced that 15 players across their men’s, women’s and academy teams will depart the club at the end of their contracts on June 30, 2026, as preparations begin for the new season.

The retained and released list published following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 campaign confirmed the exits of several academy prospects as well as a number of senior players from the women’s team.

Among the notable departures from the men’s ranks are right-back Josh Nichols and goalkeeper Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko. Both players were involved with Mikel Arteta’s first-team setup during the season, with Nichols making his senior debut in the League Cup. The defender has already secured a transfer to Croatian side NK Kustosija.

Other academy and youth players set to leave the North London club include Sam Chapman, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam’ron Ismail, Will Lannin-Sweet, Samuel Onyekachukwu and Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko.

The club also confirmed the departure of seven members of Renee Slegers’ women’s squad. Several of the outgoing players were part of the team that enjoyed success in Europe during the previous campaign. Those leaving include Laia Codina, Katie McCabe, Beth Mead, Victoria Pelova, Barbora Votikova, Naomi Williams and Manuela Zinsberger.

Despite the confirmed exits, Arsenal disclosed that discussions are still ongoing with three players whose contracts are due to expire this month. Negotiations continue with Caitlin Foord, while academy prospects Aleksander Marciniak and Joshua Ogunnaike remain in talks over potential extensions.

The announcement follows a historic season for Arsenal, with Arteta’s side ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. However, their European ambitions were denied after a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final.

Notably, no senior player from the men’s first-team squad was included on the released list, indicating the club’s intention to retain the core group that delivered domestic success.

Arsenal are scheduled to begin their competitive campaign on August 16 when they face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Entering the contest as Premier League champions, the Gunners will seek to add another trophy to their collection against the FA Cup holders.