Arsenal look set to kick off the reshaping of Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer, with two experienced first-team players now edging closer to exits that could pave the way for another wave of arrivals.
It’s been a quiet start to the summer for the Gunners. Islan Meslier has arrived on a free transfer, but otherwise the World Cup appears to be holding up deals.
Both Christian Nørgaard and Leandro Trossard appear to be heading towards the Emirates exit door, with the pair expected to generate around £28 million in transfer fees while also significantly reducing Arsenal’s wage bill.
Nørgaard, 32, only arrived from Brentford last summer in a deal worth around £10 million, but the Denmark international has largely been used as a squad player during his first season in north London. Now, reports suggest UAE side Al Jazira are in advanced talks to sign the midfielder, with Arsenal hopeful of recouping close to the fee they originally paid.
The move would represent smart business from Arsenal if completed. Nørgaard provided valuable experience and depth, but with the club looking to refresh the midfield again, his departure would open both a squad place and salary space for a younger long-term option.
The timing is particularly interesting given the growing links to Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Arsenal are understood to be exploring several midfield options, and Nørgaard’s exit would remove one of the obstacles to completing another signing in that area.
Meanwhile, Trossard also appears increasingly likely to leave the club.
The Belgium international, who turns 32 later this year, has been a hugely useful player under Arteta, regularly contributing important goals and assists across multiple positions. However, with Arsenal looking to inject more pace and long-term quality into the left wing, this has always felt like a summer where the club could cash in.
Besiktas remain at the front of the queue and are expected to bid around £18 million, although fresh murmurs indicate other clubs have now entered the race for his signature, potentially giving Arsenal greater leverage during negotiations and Leo more options.
Should both departures be completed, Arsenal would free up significant wages while bringing in £25million-£30million in transfer income, funds that could immediately be reinvested.
The Gunners continue to be linked with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães in midfield, while Morgan Rogers remains a priority attacking target if Aston Villa’s valuation becomes more realistic. Both Newcastle and Villa appear to be asking for £100million, or more, in the case of Rogers.
Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis is another player firmly on Arsenal’s radar, with recent reports suggesting the club are ready to accelerate a move should Trossard depart. He’d be a lot cheaper – valued around £35million.
Selling popular and experienced squad members is never easy, but Arsenal have shown in recent windows that they are prepared to make difficult decisions if it strengthens the squad in the long term. If Nørgaard and Trossard both move on, it could mark the beginning of another busy phase of the summer transfer window as Andrea Berta and Arteta continue building a squad capable of challenging on every front.
Do you think Arsenal should cash in on Nørgaard and Trossard this summer, or would you have kept one of them for another season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.