Arsenal have today confirmed that five players will be released, after failing to be offered a new contract by the club.
Abou Diaby is the standout name on the list, and has now been made a free agent after enjoying ten years with the Gunners.
The midfielder has joined the likes of Jack Jebb, Austin Lipman, Josh Vickers and Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, who will leave their respective academy sides as well.
And although it may not seem like the clear-out Gunners fans may have been expecting, there is certainly a change of momentum around Arsene Wenger’s philosophy.
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The departure of Diaby frees up a mass amount of wage fees, which are reportedly in the region of £65,000 a week, something Wenger couldn’t afford to paying out on a player that is riddled with freak injuries.
He has failed to pick up a steady run of games in the first team over his ten year spell with the Gunners and after turning 29, looks out of the running when it comes to competing with the current defensive midfield crop.
The French international was once dubbed the ‘new Patrick Vieira’, but despite his promising form he made just 180 appearances, scoring 19 goals in the process.
Elsewhere in the list of released players, Jack Jebb looked like a promising youngster who came through the early ranks of the Hale End Academy, but was outshone by the introductions of both Daniel Crowley and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Having also emerged as a product of the Academy, Josh Vickers will look to find a new club after failing to feature in the squad list for next season.
Vickers signed professional terms with the club at the beginning of last season, but has failed to compete with the academy sides and will instead look for a new club for the upcoming campaign.
Gunners forward, Austin Lipman, failed to break into the Under 21’s side, and instead has enjoyed two season-long loan spells at Boreham Wood.
Arsenal made a statement on their official club website earlier today, and thanked the players for their contributions, whilst also wishing them well for the future.
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