Mikel Arteta will be hoping to oversee a productive summer (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are on the verge of completing two transfers that could have a huge impact on the rest of the summer. The permanent addition of Piero Hincapie is the only business completed by the Gunners to date, but that looks set to change soon. The World Cup complicates matters because it accounts for some of the world’s elite talent. Nevertheless, the impasse will soon be resolved as the tournament enters its final two weeks.
As a busy July intensifies, Mikel Arteta has issues to address regarding both future signings and departures. As the Gunners build their squad ahead of pre-season, here are the latest whispers from north London…
“Agreed” to personal terms with Mr. Kone
France international Manu Kone could become the first completely fresh player to join Arsenal’s ranks this summer.
Corriere della Sera claim that not only have Arsenal held talks with his agents, but personal terms have already been agreed between the two sides.
This means the Gunners only need to agree a signing fee with his current employers Roma and the player will be theirs.
However, there is a possibility that negotiations will be delayed somewhat as he will be representing France at this summer’s World Cup.
Kone played in three of France’s five matches at this summer’s World Cup.
That included playing the full 90 minutes in the group stage wins over Norway and Iraq, and then solidly playing in the last-16 match against Paraguay.
Roma reportedly value the midfield enforcer at around £43m, a figure that would be well within Arsenal’s budget.
The 25-year-old still has three years left on the contract he signed when he joined the Giallorossi in 2024.
Last season, Arteta’s midfield resources appeared severely stretched, with injuries to the likes of Mikel Merino and captain Martin Odegaard taking a huge hit.
Arsenal therefore appear determined to bring in at least one additional player this summer, and Kone seems to fit the bill perfectly.
Manu Corn has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners. (Image: Richard Sellers/Sports Photo/All Star via Getty Images)
Trossard’s agent heads to transfer negotiations
Leandro Trossard’s camp is reportedly preparing to travel to Istanbul for tense talks with Besiktas.
The Black Eagles have been heavily linked with the Belgian winger for several months and now appear to be close to finalizing a deal.
Turkish newspaper Saba have reported that Arsenal have agreed terms for Trossard’s departure, with the transfer fee expected to be around £15.5 million, slightly lower than the previously expected £17 million transfer fee.
It has also been reported that Trossard’s representatives and lawyers traveled to London earlier this week, possibly to finalize the issue with the Gunners.
Nevertheless, confirmation is still awaited whether the Belgian international has approved the personal terms.
Earlier this summer, Turkish media reported that Besiktas were well short of meeting their players’ wage demands.
Trossard was reportedly offered a package of around £8.3 million a year (around £160,000 a week) to move to Saudi Arabian side Diriyah earlier this summer.
Despite these reports, speculation linking him to Besiktas persists, indicating that a deal with Besiktas remains the frontrunner.
Further developments could be imminent as Arsenal look to raise vital transfer funds.
Express sports on FB! Get all the best sports news and more on our Facebook page.
