Arsenal’s summer plans continue to take shape, with Leandro Trossard closing in on a move to Besiktas and Christos Tzolis emerging as a possible replacement.
The club’s transfer business is developing alongside a significant rebuild for Arsenal Women and England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Here is the latest across four Arsenal storylines.
Trossard nears Besiktas move as Arsenal consider Tzolis
Trossard has travelled to Istanbul after Arsenal agreed a permanent transfer with Besiktas.
The winger is completing the medical and contractual formalities before signing a reported three-year deal. Besiktas are also expected to hold an option for a further season.
Reuters reports that the full transfer could be worth around £17m.
The move will end Trossard’s three-and-a-half-year spell at Arsenal. He joined from Brighton in January 2023 and helped Mikel Arteta’s side win the Premier League last season.
His departure creates space on the left side of Arsenal’s attack, with Tzolis among the players being considered.
The latest transfer reports suggest Arsenal are preparing to accelerate their interest in the Club Brugge winger.
Andrea Berta’s assistant, Maurizio Micheli, has reportedly watched Tzolis in person. Arsenal are also believed to have remained in regular contact with the player’s representatives.
The Greece international could cost around £30m to £35m following an impressive spell in Belgium. Any deal would be separate from Arsenal’s continued interest in Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers.
As Read Arsenal examined in its Trossard and Tzolis analysis, the two players would serve different purposes within Arteta’s attacking rebuild.
Tzolis could replace Trossard’s direct threat from the left, while Rogers offers greater positional flexibility.
Arsenal Women complete five early additions
Renée Slegers will welcome a heavily refreshed squad back for pre-season training.
Arsenal Women have completed five permanent signings this summer. Georgia Stanway, Selina Cerci, Géraldine Reuteler and Ona Batlle arrived after leaving their previous clubs, while Lisa Baum joined from RB Leipzig.
Stanway strengthens central midfield, while Batlle adds elite experience at full-back. Cerci and Reuteler increase the attacking options available to Slegers.
Baum represents a longer-term investment at 19.
The arrivals have also reduced the average age of the squad following several experienced departures.
A further signing remains possible, but the main rebuild has been completed early enough for the new players to take part in a full pre-season programme.
Read Arsenal’s breakdown of the five summer signings looks at how each arrival could fit into Slegers’ plans.
Arsenal are aiming to build on their cup success and end their wait for another Women’s Super League title.
Rice and Saka prepare for Argentina semi-final
Declan Rice has recovered from illness and is available to start England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Bukayo Saka is also expected to feature as Thomas Tuchel’s side attempt to reach England’s first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
Victory in Atlanta would set up a meeting with Spain on Sunday. Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and David Raya are already through after Spain beat France 2-0.
Zubimendi has yet to play at the tournament, with Rodri remaining Spain’s preferred defensive midfielder.
Arsenal are therefore guaranteed representation in the final. Rice and Saka now have the opportunity to join their club team-mates on the opposite side.
