Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted that a number of players will be leaving the club before the transfer window closes for business because the squad is too big.

One of the players tipped for the Arsenal exit door is Super Eagles trainee Chuba Akpom, who has not figured for the first team in friendly matches and wasn't named in the Community Shield roster.

''To be honest, the number is too high,'' Arsene Wenger stated.

''We will let some players go. Too much competition for places is detrimental, but not enough competition for places is detrimental as well.''

Akpom has seen his first team opportunities limited since he was promoted to the Gunners first team, and has been farmed out on loan to Brentford, Coventry City, Forest, Hull City and Brighton.

The former England U21 international was on target in pre-season matches against Leyton Orient and Boreham Wood while defending the colours of Arsenal XI.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com