Full Breakdown
Arsenal Poised for Two Pivotal Transfers as Summer Window Nears Close
7/10/2026, 1:40:49 PM
Arsenal Nears Two Key Transfer Moves
Arsenal are reported to be on the verge of finalising a £15.5 million departure for Belgian winger Leandro Trossard to Turkish club Besiktas, and a £43 million acquisition of French defensive midfielder Manu Kone from Roma. Both transactions are framed as solutions to the squad’s midfield depth concerns ahead of the Premier League title defence, with negotiations accelerated as the 2023 FIFA World Cup enters its final fortnight.
Background: World Cup and Squad Needs
The World Cup has limited clubs’ ability to negotiate, but the tournament’s conclusion is expected to clear the path for transfers. Arsenal’s midfield was stretched last season by injuries to Mikel Merino and captain Martin Ødegaard, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to seek additional options. Kone’s recent World Cup involvement—three full-match appearances for France—has raised his profile, while Trossard’s limited playing time at Arsenal this season has made his exit a priority for both player and club.
Transfer Details and Financials
- Leandro Trossard -> Besiktas: Turkish newspaper Sabah cites an agreed fee of approximately £15.5 million, a modest reduction from earlier reports of £17 million. Earlier in the summer, Trossard was linked with a Saudi-League salary of about £8.3 million per year.
- Manu Kone -> Arsenal: Italian daily Corriere della Sera notes that Roma value the 25-year-old midfielder at roughly £43 million, a figure Arsenal can accommodate within their budget. Kone has three years remaining on his contract signed in 2024 after moving from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Official Statements & Media Reports
Arsenal have not released an official comment on either deal. Media outlets convey the current status: Corriere della Sera reports that personal terms with Kone are settled and only a transfer fee with Roma remains, while Sabah indicates Arsenal have reached a deal with Besiktas for Trossard. Both reports acknowledge that ongoing World Cup commitments could delay final signatures.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism or opposition has been recorded in the available sources regarding the proposed moves.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fee Discrepancy: Trossard’s transfer fee is reported as £15.5 million by Sabah, yet earlier speculation placed the amount at £17 million.
- Personal Terms Confirmation: While media claim personal terms are agreed for both players, neither club nor the players have issued direct confirmation.
- World Cup Timing: Kone’s participation with France may postpone fee negotiations with Roma, a factor not quantified in the reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “? Trossard closes in on exit Leandro Trossard's representatives are reportedly preparing to travel to Istanbul for decisive discussions with Besiktas.” — *football.london report*
- “Corriere della Sera has reported Arsenal have not only held discussions with his representatives but personal terms are already settled between both parties.” — *Corriere della Sera*
- “Roma are said to value the midfield anchor at approximately £43m, which would comfortably fall within Arsenal's financial constraints.” — *football.london report*
