Arsenal are on the verge of completing two transfers that could reshape Mikel Arteta’s squad, with France midfielder Manu Kone reportedly agreeing personal terms and Leandro Trossard’s representatives set to fly to Istanbul for showdown talks with Besiktas.
Kone, 25, has been a standout for France at the World Cup, playing 90 minutes in group-stage wins over Norway and Iraq and another commanding performance in the last-16 fixture against Paraguay. Corriere della Sera reports that Arsenal have held talks with his representatives and personal terms are already agreed between the two parties. That leaves only a fee to be settled with his current club, Roma, who value the midfield anchor at around £43m. Kone still has three years left on the contract he signed when joining the Giallorossi in 2024.
“Manu Kone agrees personal terms with Arsenal; Leandro Trossard's agent jets to Istanbul for Besiktas talks.”
The potential arrival addresses a clear need: Arteta’s midfield options appeared stretched last season amid injuries to Mikel Merino and captain Martin Odegaard. Kone carries the seal of approval from Gunners great Patrick Vieira, and the £43m price tag is well within Arsenal’s budget. The World Cup has thrown a spanner in the works by distracting elite talent, but with the tournament entering its final fortnight, that impasse is soon to be a thing of the past.
At the same time, Arsenal are clearing a path out of north London. Leandro Trossard’s representatives are reportedly set to fly to Istanbul for showdown talks with Besiktas. The Turkish side have been touted to sign the Belgian winger for months and are finally on the cusp of completion. Piero Hincapie’s £34.5m move remains Arsenal’s only completed deal so far this summer, but that looks set to change in the very near future.
As July heats up, Arteta has business to consider through both the arrivals door and the departures gate. The Gunners are getting their tools in place for pre-season, with two deals advancing nicely while their targets are still away with their countries at the World Cup.