Arsenal Football Club have confirmed the release of 15 players, including three of Nigerian descent, after the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The Gunners lifted the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, edging Manchester City by seven points. However, the North London side will now look to reinforce their squad after losing the UEFA Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain.
Retained and Released Lists Published
Under Premier League regulations, clubs are required to publish their retained and released lists before June 30, confirming the futures of players whose deals are set to expire. The announcement comes after an eventful campaign for the Gunners, who narrowly missed out on Champions League glory following a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to PSG.
Champions League Final Heartbreak
Arsenal reached the final after an impressive European run, going unbeaten throughout the competition before facing the Ligue 1 champions in the showpiece event at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30. Mikel Arteta's side took the lead in the sixth minute through Kai Havertz, who capitalised on a mistake by reigning CAF Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi. However, PSG fought back in the second half, with reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele scoring the equaliser in the 67th minute to force extra time. The match was eventually decided on penalties, where Eberechi Eze missed Arsenal's third spot-kick before Gabriel Magalhaes failed to convert the decisive penalty, handing PSG a 4-3 shootout victory and a second consecutive Champions League title.
Premier League Triumph
Despite the European disappointment, Arsenal ended the season on a high by securing their first Premier League title in 22 years. The historic achievement sparked widespread celebrations across North London, with thousands of supporters taking part in a memorable title parade.
Full List of Players Released
Ahead of next season, Arsenal have announced a list of 15 players across all levels of the club who will not be renewing their contracts. The list includes men's players and scholars who have represented the club at first-team, under-21 and under-18 levels, as well as some women's squad members.
The players released are: Sam Chapman, Laia Codina, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam'ron Ismail, Will Lannin-Sweet, Katie McCabe, Beth Mead, Josh Nichols, Samuel Onyekachukwu, Victoria Pelova, Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Barbora Votikova, Naomi Williams and Manuela Zinsberger.
Katie McCabe tops the women's list as the Ireland international ditched Arsenal after 10 years and joined their cross-city rivals, Chelsea. Other academy players let go include Sam Chapman, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam'ron Ismail, Will Lannin-Sweet, Samuel Onyekachukwu and Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko.
The Gunners applauded the players for their valuable contributions to the club during the 2025/26 season. The club stated: "We are taking this opportunity to say thank you to the following players who will be leaving us when their contracts are completed at the end of the month. This includes men's players and scholars who have represented the club at first-team, under-21 and under-18 levels, as well as some of our women's squad, whom we have previously announced will be departing."
Arsenal also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Caitlin Foord, Aleksander Marciniak and Joshua Ogunnaike. The club added: "Any further developments regarding players extending their contracts, joining/re-joining, or leaving us will be officially communicated once confirmed."
PSG Prepare Bid for Arsenal Star
In related news, PSG manager Luis Enrique is reportedly planning changes to his squad as the French champions look to defend their title. The Spanish coach has approved a move for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, who is viewed as an ideal replacement for Bradley Barcola should the French forward depart the Parc des Princes this summer.
