Arsenal’s summer transfer plans are taking shape as Mikel Arteta has already received a major boost
Mikel Arteta enters this summer’s transfer window in an unusually privileged position for an Arsenal manager. This season’s Premier League title success lifted the weight off his shoulders before the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated there remains room for improvement.
There’s a delicate balance to strike when adjusting a side fresh from such achievements. Alter too little and one risks stagnation during a period of success, but excessive modifications can equally jeopardise the formula that brought you to this point.
That’s the challenge Arteta confronts as he seeks to guarantee Arsenal elevate their performance another level ahead of the 2026/27 title defence. And football.london has identified the most compelling transfer stories from around the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
Kroupi transfer boost
One of the emerging transfer narratives in north London this summer concerns Arsenal’s pursuit of Eli Junior Kroupi. Nevertheless, that pursuit was immediately complicated by reports suggesting PSG were also monitoring the player.
Shortly afterwards, reports emerged suggesting the former Lorient prospect favoured a return to France with the Ligue 1 giants. That was potentially difficult news to digest considering the Parc des Princes represents a logical destination, with PSG among the few clubs capable of outbidding the Gunners in the current market.
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However, much to the satisfaction of every Arsenal supporter, it’s now been reported Les Parisiens are actually not involved in the transfer race. Get French Football News has suggested the 19-year-old will not be targeted by the same side that defeated Arteta’s men on penalties in Budapest just a week ago.
It seems Luis Enrique and the PSG board are satisfied with their existing attacking options, or are at least exploring alternative targets. This could clear the path for Arteta to launch his own pursuit of the player, who is believed to be priced at approximately £80million.
Taking the initiative could prove crucial in securing Kroupi, who only joined Bournemouth last year but has acclimatised swiftly to the demands of the Premier League. He found the net 13 times in 33 league appearances this season, earning recognition with a nomination for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award.
The teenager will already have admirers at the Emirates given it was his strike against Manchester City in the penultimate round of this season that clinched the title for Arsenal. The route to securing one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents may have become considerably more straightforward should PSG indeed not emerge as rivals for Kroupi’s signature.
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Besiktas ‘readying’ Trossard bid
Turning to potential departures from the Emirates, Leandro Trossard is one player who has emerged as a candidate to leave Arsenal this summer. Besiktas appear to be amongst his eager suitors, having rekindled their interest in the Belgian.
The Istanbul club, who finished fourth in the Super Lig this season, have previously been linked with Trossard. While those previous attempts have failed to materialise, this summer could yield an altogether different outcome.
Trossard is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract and appears unlikely to secure an extension given he turns 32 in December. This could persuade club decision-makers that selling the player ahead of the upcoming campaign represents the more prudent course of action while a meaningful fee can still be commanded.
Reports emerging from Turkey have indicated Besiktas will table a ‘serious offer’ for the winger in the coming weeks. Should it prove sufficiently attractive to Arsenal, his exit could release both the funds and squad capacity to pursue an acquisition such as the aforementioned Kroupi.
Besiktas are reportedly in the market for wide reinforcements ahead of the summer window. Both Jota Silva and Cengiz Under arrived at the club on loan last summer, though whether either temporary deal will be converted into a permanent buy remains to be seen.
Taking into account Trossard’s contractual situation, age profile and the requirement to freshen up their attacking options, a summer parting of ways could well suit all involved. Besiktas appear to be among the leading contenders to secure his signature should that scenario come to fruition.
