Arsenal's summer is shaping up around two separate moves. Leandro Trossard to Beşiktaş is described as advanced, with reports saying the Turkish club are preparing a €20m offer. At the same time, Manu Koné has become a serious midfield name in the Arsenal conversation, even if Inter are still viewed as the frontrunner.
Why the Trossard move has moved quickest
The Trossard side is the cleaner of the two stories. Mark Brus of football365.com said: “It seems Trossard’s priority is Besiktas, and though a deal has not been fully agreed yet, it’s getting advanced after positive talks between the player’s representatives and the Turkish club.” That matters because the talks have clearly gone beyond casual interest.
The fee talk is specific too. Beşiktaş are reported to be preparing a €20m offer, and that sits against the fact that Trossard arrived at Arsenal from Brighton for around £21m. He has not gone missing late on either. His last five Arsenal appearances brought a goal, an assist and ratings of 7.2, 7.9, 7.2, 8.3 and 7.2, with a 7.38 average across that run.
That makes the sale discussion more notable than if he had faded out completely. Arsenal are not being asked to move on a useless squad piece, they are weighing up a player who has still contributed and may yet fetch useful money.
Why Koné fits the kind of summer Arsenal are having
The Koné story is less advanced, but it fits Arsenal's position. They finished top of the Premier League with 82 points and also went 8 from 8 in the Champions League group phase or league stage, so this is not a club chasing a rescue job. It is selective business from a side that already has a strong base.
That is where Roma's situation comes in. Koné is under contract until 2029, but CaughtOffside say the expected fee is around €40m to €50m and that Roma must raise funds by the end of June to stay in line with UEFA financial rules. Metro also say he has just finished his second season at Roma and is expected to leave this summer.
Micah Richards summed up the appeal of that profile on metro.co.uk: “France with that forward line are up there too, people talk about their midfield [being weaker compared to 2018] but Kone in midfield is outstanding.” That does not mean Arsenal have him wrapped up. It does mean the fit is easy to see if the price and timing work.
The slightly awkward bit is that the destination is not settled. Inter are described as the frontrunner, but Arsenal are in the frame and the financial pressure at Roma could still create an opening. If Trossard goes out and funds come in, Koné is the sort of signing that would look like targeted strengthening rather than a sweeping reset.
In other words, Arsenal look more likely to reshuffle than rebuild. Trossard may go first, Koné may follow only if the numbers and timing line up, and the next concrete move will depend on how quickly both talks progress.
FAQ
Will Arsenal sell Leandro Trossard to Beşiktaş this summer?
The move is described as advanced, but it is not done yet. Beşiktaş are reported to be preparing a €20m offer, and positive talks have taken place between the player’s representatives and the Turkish club.
How serious is Arsenal's interest in Manu Koné?
Arsenal are being linked with Manu Koné, but the race is not settled. Inter are described as the frontrunner, while Roma’s need to raise funds by the end of June could still create an opening.
Why would Arsenal consider selling Leandro Trossard after a strong finish?
Trossard’s recent form has been decent, with one goal and one assist in his last five Arsenal matches and a 7.38 average rating. Even so, the reported Besiktas interest and €20m offer talk suggest a sale is still on the table.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →