Arsenal confirm release of 15 players including Women’s Champions League winners

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Arsenal have confirmed the departure of 15 players across both the men’s and women’s squads, with contracts expiring at the end of June.

Eight players from the men’s setup will leave the club, with right-back Josh Nichols and backup goalkeeper Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko the most high-profile departures. Nichols, who made his senior debut in last season’s League Cup victory over Bolton, has already secured a move to Croatian side NK Kustosija.

Both Nichols and Rojas trained regularly with Mikel Arteta’s first team squad throughout the season, giving them valuable experience at the highest level before their exits.

Youth exodus continues

The remaining six departures come from Arsenal’s academy ranks, spanning the under-21 and under-18 age groups. Sam Chapman, Harrison Dudziak, Seb Ferdinand, Cam’ron Ismail, Will Lannin-Sweet, and Samuel Onyekachukwu will all seek opportunities elsewhere.

The club’s academy has faced increased scrutiny over player retention in recent seasons, with several promising talents choosing to pursue first-team opportunities at other clubs rather than wait for their chance in north London.

Women’s Champions League winners depart

Seven players from Renee Slegers’ Arsenal Women squad will also move on, including several who played crucial roles in last season’s Champions League triumph. The departures include Spain defender Laia Codina, Ireland captain Katie McCabe, and England winger Beth Mead.

Dutch midfielder Victoria Pelova, Czech goalkeeper Barbora Votikova, defender Naomi Williams, and goalkeeper Manuel Zinsberger complete the list of women’s team departures.

McCabe and Mead’s exits represent significant losses for Arsenal Women, with both players having been instrumental in the club’s recent success. McCabe captained Ireland to the World Cup last summer, while Mead remains a key England international despite injury setbacks.

Contract talks ongoing

Arsenal confirmed that negotiations continue with three other players whose contracts are also set to expire. Australia forward Caitlin Foord remains in discussions over a new deal, while academy prospects Aleksander Marciniak and Joshua Ogunnaike are also in talks with the club.

The departures represent a significant summer overhaul for both Arsenal squads, particularly the women’s team which must rebuild after losing several experienced internationals. The club will need to move quickly in the transfer market to replace the departed talent ahead of the new campaign.