Arsenal may have to sell Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard to fund summer rebuild - Paper Round
Published 27/02/2025 at 22:45 GMT
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Arsenal are set for a squad rebuild after an injury crisis left them without a recognised striker, but Mikel Arteta may be forced to sell one of his star names in order to do business this summer. Meanwhile, The Gunners have drawn up a five-man shortlist to replace Edu as the club’s sporting director. Elsewhere, Joshua Kimmich has reportedly had a contract offer withdrawn by Bayern Munich.
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Arsenal may have to sell Martinelli or Trossard to fund summer rebuild
Arsenal may have to sell one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli to fund a summer rebuild, according to the Mirror.
The Gunners have been playing Mikel Merino as a makeshift forward as a result of injuries and failing to sign an attacker in the January transfer window.
Newcastle star Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko have been linked with a move to the club, while a winger such as Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams could also be targeted.
"They might have to sell either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli who have both been targets for Saudi Pro League clubs," reads the report.
"Arteta is determined to oversee a major shake-up this summer with a big-name striker and winger on their hit-list but they will have to offload to get all their business done.
"Arsenal do have scope to do big deals this summer both in terms of their Profit and Sustainability Rules and spending power. Arsenal boss Arteta is a huge admirer of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak but more realistically they may go for RB Leipzig centre forward Benjamin Sesko.
"The Gunners also want a new left winger which is why Trossard or Martinelli may make way with Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams top of their list, but they are confirmed admirers of Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo."
Arsenal have five-man shortlist to replace Edu
Arsenal have drawn up a five-man shortlist to replace Edu as the club’s sporting director, it has been claimed.
The role has been filled temporarily by Jason Ayto following Edu's departure in November last year.
Ayto, former Manchester United chief Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro are believed to be in contention for the job.
"Arsenal reportedly have a five-man shortlist to replace departed sporting director Edu," reads a report in the Express.
"The Gunners are said to be whittling down candidates ahead of a proposed appointment in March.
"Jason Ayto has held the role in the interim following Edu's surprise resignation last November.
"Ayto is part of a reported five-man shortlist Arsenal have drawn up as they seek to replace Edu over the coming weeks. According to The Athletic, former Manchester United, Newcastle and Brighton chief Dan Ashworth is one of the leading contenders.
"Andrea Berta, who was previously sporting director at AC Milan, is reportedly another contender. As is Roberto Olabe, the highly-rated Real Sociedad transfer guru.
"Thiago Scuro completes the list. The 43-year-old has had high-profile roles at RB Leipzig and Monaco and he is currently CEO of the Ligue 1 club.
"It is claimed that all five individuals have either been discussed internally by Arsenal or have held talks with the Premier League giants. The club's owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, are said to have been involved in the recruitment process and a final decision will not be made without their sign-off."
Kimmich's Bayern future in doubt
Liverpool and Manchester City are on red alert after Bayern Munich withdrew a contract offer to Joshua Kimmich, according to a report in the Mirror.
The Premier League giants had been linked with a move for the midfielder and they could reignite their interest if the Bavarians fail to tie the 30-year-old to a new deal.
"Bayern Munich have withdrawn a contract offer to Joshua Kimmich, it has been claimed, with Liverpool and Manchester City potentially primed to pounce," reads the article.
"Bayern have been in discussions with German international Kimmich for some time.
"Kimmich, who has 97 caps for Germany, was linked with a Premier League switch last summer. He ended up staying put at the time, but could well be an appealing prospect as a free agent.
"Liverpool cooled on a January move for Kimmich, seemingly due to the form of Ryan Gravenberch, while City moved for Nico Gonzalez in the same window. Kimmich can play at right-back as well as in central midfield, though, so a summer move from either team can't be ruled out.
"According to BILD, Bayern chiefs have told Kimmich the offer previously put in front of him is no longer valid. He had reportedly been after a slight increase on his current wages of just under £320,000 per week, pushing for an improved deal in the light of his performances this season."
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