Key Arsenal star agrees deal with European giants as two replacements identified

Arsenal have reportedly agreed to sell Leandro Trossard to Turkish giants Besiktas, with Mikel Arteta already identifying his replacement.

Trossard was a key player in Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign last term, with the Belgian’s strike at West Ham proving crucial.

The 31-year-old, who is contracted to the Gunners until 2027, arrived at the Emirates from Brighton in 2023 and has since registered 36 goals and 34 assists in 174 appearances for the north Londoners.

Despite being a key asset to Arteta, it is being widely reported that Trossard will move on this summer, with Ben Jacobs claiming Arsenal have reached “an agreement in principle” to sell the player for a fee of around €18 million (£15.4 million) plus €2 million (£1.7 million) in add-ons.

On X, the British journalist wrote: “Trossard is still to finalise terms, but Besiktas are confident. Al-Diriyah never made a formal offer despite reports. Trossard is currently in Seattle and focused on finishing the World Cup.”

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According to The Athletic, the transfer is not yet complete, “with wages of up to around €9m and personal terms in the process of being finalised”.

Trossard is currently at the World Cup with Belgium as the nation prepare for their round-of-16 clash against co-hosts the USA on July 7.

Arsenal identify Trossard replacement

While the formalities are expected to be completed, Arsenal have reportedly already identified two players they would like to replace the departing Trossard as they look to retain the Premier League title next season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Bradley Barcola throughout the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers also of interest to Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.

Reports have claimed Villa value Rogers at around £130 million, while PSG value Barcola at around the £116 million mark.

Barcola has also been heavily linked with Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool, with the Reds no longer in the race to sign RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande after the player made clear he wants to sign for the French side.

Speaking about the Barcola saga on Friday (July 3), Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano made clear that Liverpool are the frontrunners for the France international.

“Liverpool have Barcola on top of their list – he’s always on their list,” he said.

“I told you for months, ‘Don’t forget Barcola!’ and now here we are, with Barcola as a serious target for Liverpool.

“But, obviously, it depends financially on what Liverpool can do to reach an agreement with PSG.”

He then suggested that Rogers is Arsenal’s priority target despite Barcola remaining an option.

“For Arsenal, the number one target remains Morgan Rogers,” Romano added.

“If they can reach an agreement with Aston Villa, they will sign Morgan Rogers. If they can’t, Barcola could be an option.

“But at the moment, I feel Morgan Rogers is the most serious candidate to become the new winger for Mikel Arteta.”

The transfer window closes on September 3.