Football transfers: who is really leaving, and how does it really work? | Untold Arsenal: Supporting the club, the manager and the team

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The title on EPL Index on June 30 says "Arsenal Looking to Sign Barcelona Defender for €50m" and it got me thinking, does the writer actually think that's how transfers work? And do the website's creators think their audience believes it?

Let's consider how things really operate.

In the Premier League, each club has a manager who leads a group of staff that analyze the performance of the first team and brainstorm strategies for improvement.

The main way they attracted new players was by using the five substitutes allowed in each Premier League match from the nine available on the bench. Arsenal made use of five subs in 13 games last season, while Manchester City only did so four times. In contrast, Manchester City utilized three subs in ten matches, while Arsenal only did so five times.

The frequency with which clubs make five substitutions doesn't provide a comprehensive insight. West Ham only used five substitutions once, while Brighton made use of all five 62% of the time.

Utilizing all 25 players in the squad comes with various challenges. This includes determining the quality of each player and if they are capable of contributing to the team or are just there to fill in the numbers. Additionally, considering the availability of first-choice players who may be injured, participating in inconsequential international matches, or facing competition from a superior player in their position.

However, clubs typically have a roster of 25 players, including those who are under 21 years old at the beginning of the season. It is important to note that rosters are not set in stone and can change over time. The media often highlights transfer rumors and speculation, leading to new player names being mentioned throughout the transfer window.

Definitely not. Teams plan for the future well in advance, even before the current season has finished. They analyze the squad, identify areas for improvement, and start outlining potential changes. It's unrealistic to think that a club would suddenly become interested in a player just a few weeks or months after the season ends.

The team's manager and his staff will have a list of 25 players. Those who are being transferred will have already been informed and likely aware of the possibility of being sold months in advance. It's important to note that the player ultimately has the final say in any transfer deal.

Currently, it's common for players to agree to transfers rather than risk being excluded from the team's 25-player roster. This could result in still receiving a salary without any playing time, and gaining a reputation as someone who doesn't align with the club's objectives.

The management team informs the player's agent that the player is not being considered for the next season. The player and agent then work together to come up with a plan, hopefully with the involvement of the club, to find a new team for the player to play for.

However, there are additional issues with the system. Young players who do not fall within the age range (under 21) but still perform at a high level are very important. They allow the 25-man squad to be expanded. Additionally, players who are content being on the squad as backups can be useful because they will not cause problems about not playing.

The people who are not feeling included are the ones who are not part of the starting lineup. They may not even be on the team at all, or they are always sitting on the bench, but they do not want to go on loan.

Next, let's talk about the players who have been injured and are now ready to play again but are struggling to make it back into the starting lineup. A good example is Emile Smith Rowe, who had four starts and 15 appearances as a substitute in all competitions last season. It's clear that he will be looking to get more playing time.

As each season comes to a close, some players may need to make a change, not because they are not talented, but because there is another player in their position who is ranked higher.

However, players cannot be coerced to leave. If they still have time left on their contract and are unwilling to depart, the manager is unable to push them out. It is worth noting that players usually prefer to be on the field, so they may agree to a reduction in pay and a transfer to a less desirable location if it means they will have more opportunities to play.

Last season, Arsenal had a total of 25 players on their team, but two have since departed after their contracts ended. Additionally, there are now 61 players under the age of 21 registered with the club who were eligible to play. However, some of these players will now be over 21 for the upcoming season.

There will always be some changes happening. So the idea that Arsenal is now suddenly becoming interested in a specific player they might sign or sell is unrealistic. The data would have been known since at least January, and talks would have already been planned.

Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal revealed that 22 players have left the team.

Here is a list of some of the players mentioned in the blog: - Mauro Bandeira - Omari Benjamin - Luis Brown - Catalin Cirjan - Noah Cooper - Sabrina D'Angelo - Henry Davies - Ovie Ejeheri - Mohamed Elneny - Taylor Foran - Hubert Graczyk - James Hillson - Henry Jeffcott - Tyreece John-Jules - Alex Kirk - James Lannin-Sweet - Kaylan Marckese - Vivianne Miedema - Arthur Okonkwo - Kamarni Ryan - Cedric Soares - Kido Taylor-Hart

Three more players have deals that end today, but there hasn't been any news yet about Amario Cozier-Duberry, Karl Hein, and Reuell Walters.

Therefore, we must now remain patient and observe what happens next.