Besiktas are said to have spoken to Arsenal and Trossard’s representatives, while Newcastle and Aston Villa have also been linked with the 31-year-old.
Arsenal are expected to let at least one of their left wingers leave this summer, with talks reportedly already under way over a possible move for Leandro Trossard.
The report, carried by Metro, states both that Arsenal are in “talks” to sell Trossard and that they are “braced” for moves from Newcastle and Aston Villa. Quite why Arsenal would need to brace themselves for something they are said to want is not entirely clear, but that is where we are.
Metro’s information appears to come from Turkey, with the report adding, “Besiktas have already held talks with Arsenal and Trossard’s agents.”
There was a time when Turkish transfer rumours could often be dismissed out of hand, with clubs there rarely spending significant money, but that has changed somewhat in recent seasons for reasons we do not need to get into now.
Trossard, now 31, has just one year left on his contract. His eight goals and 11 assists were important for Arsenal last season as they won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, none more so than his winner against West Ham, but it is widely accepted that the club will look to upgrade his position.
Arsenal have again reportedly contacted Juventus over Kenan Yildiz, 21, whose agent used the Gunner’s interest to help push through a new deal not long ago. They have been told in no uncertain terms that the Old Lady have no intention of selling a player widely regarded as their best and under contract until 2030.
Eli Junior Kroupi, 19, has also been linked, but at present it seems he either wants to move to PSG, who do not want him, or remain with Bournemouth.
Metro add that Arsenal are chasing PSG’s Bradley Barcola, 23, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, 26, both players that have been linked with the Gunners for a while. Both player are under contract until 2028, meaning they are firmly in ‘sell or renew’ territory.
Trossard is still valued at around €18m, which would make him Besiktas’ second most valuable player after Orkun Kokcu, who is valued at €25m. It is believed he earns around £180,000-per-week.
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