Trossard to Besiktas: done at €20m
Leandro Trossard is leaving. Arsenal and Besiktas have agreed a deal worth €20m, €18m fixed plus €2m in add-ons, after the World Cup (1) (2) (3) (4) (14). He will earn around €7m per year in Turkey (2).
Trossard was crucial in the Premier League title win. Now he moves on, and Andrea Berta already has names lined up to replace him (6) (7).
Two £115m-plus wingers on the radar
The Trossard sale is not just about balancing the books. It unlocks moves for two superstar wingers, both valued north of £115m, with Berta driving the choices (5) (6).
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One name already confirmed: Arsenal have made a formal enquiry for Juventus' Kenan Yildiz. The left-sided attacker is seen as a replacement for both Trossard and potentially Gabriel Martinelli (9).
Bradley Barcola is another target. He could prefer Arsenal over Liverpool, with London tipping the scales (11).
Academy director found: Pascal De Maesschalck
Per Mertesacker's successor is in place. Arsenal have hired Pascal De Maesschalck as the new academy director, poaching him from Strasbourg (8).
He arrives with pedigree from AS Monaco and Club Brugge as well. The academy that produced Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly now has its next leader (8).
Desailly wants Saliba in Madrid, but not yet
Marcel Desailly has lit a small fire. The France icon said he hopes William Saliba "will one day wear the Real Madrid shirt" but admitted the timing is wrong: "Not now. He has a contract with Arsenal for the next four years" (13).
Saliba is settled, recently signed a new deal, and started for France in their round of 16 win over Paraguay on Saturday (13).
Rice carrying a knock before Mexico clash
Declan Rice is managing an injury picked up late last season, and there are concerns about his fitness for England's round of 16 match against Mexico (10).
Thomas Tuchel has decisions to make. Your midfielder is vital, and this one is worth watching.
Kounde offered, White's spot in question
Barcelona have offered Jules Kounde to Arsenal. The French defender is seen as a potential replacement for Ben White on the right side of your back line (12).
No decision yet, but the door is open.
Fan reactions
Fans are already discussing the Trossard domino effect, debating what a fair price for Morgan Rogers would be as a potential incoming. The Jeremy Monga miss stung too, Manchester City have agreed a £12.5m deal for the 16-year-old Leicester winger despite Arsenal's pursuit. On a brighter note, Saliba's recovery pace against Miguel Almiron is doing the rounds, and he started for France in their 1–0 win over Paraguay.
