Arsenal transfers: Futures of Martinelli and Trossard may prove key to summer plans

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For all the talk of Arsenal’s need for a No 9, other areas of the front line may come into focus during the transfer window.

Arsenal want to add to their wide options. Their interest in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams is longstanding and well-known but Arsenal are also monitoring alternatives abroad and within the Premier League, including Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund.

Securing a new winger will not be straightforward. Significant signings are already expected in centre-forward, holding midfield, goalkeeper and perhaps even defence. If Arsenal are to add multiple attackers, a sale may be required.

That has led to some speculation over the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, valuable assets who could strengthen Arsenal’s budget during the window. For the time being, both remain part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

As part of his first few months in the job, sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with the representatives of virtually every Arsenal squad member, including Martinelli and Trossard.

The message to Martinelli has been that Arsenal intend to keep their best players, and count the Brazilian among them. Although his contract technically expires in 2027, Arsenal hold an option for an additional year and do not consider the situation urgent. No significant talks have been held over an extension.

Gabriel Martinelli’s contract expires in two years, but Arsenal can trigger an extension (Carl Recine/Getty Images)

This being football, though, things could change. If a huge offer arrives — one that is also attractive to Martinelli — plans could shift.

That will not be easy to come by. The group of elite clubs he would be prepared to join is relatively small and considering he effectively has three years left on his deal, Arsenal value Martinelli above £50million ($67m).

Martinelli moved to Arsenal at 18 from Ituano in Brazil. He feels a special connection to the Premier League club, not something he could easily to replicate. “This is my home,” he said in April. “I love to be here. I love the club.” The Brazil international has no designs on moving.

Trossard’s situation is slightly different, simply because he’s at a different stage in his career. The Belgium international is 30 and will be aware that his next big contract could be his last at the elite level.

His representatives have been engaged in talks with Berta over his contract, which is set to run until 2027. Those conversations, however, do not centre on an extension but on an uplift in salary. Arsenal have recognised for some time that Trossard’s contract does not reflect his standing within the squad, and are now engaged in negotiations to put that right.

If an agreement can be struck, it could be an ideal outcome for Arteta and Arsenal, enabling them to keep a player who has shown he can be a potential difference-maker, without necessarily committing to an extended contract.

As with Martinelli, an attractive offer from elsewhere could change things. Trossard has previously fielded interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, but also has admirers among Europe’s biggest leagues. If one of those submitted an appropriate offer, Trossard’s age and contract situation mean club and player would have to consider it.

Leandro Trossard turns 31 in December – his value is diminishing (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

There are other wide players at Arsenal whose futures appear clearer. It is expected Raheem Sterling will return to Chelsea when his loan deal expires in a few weeks.

Two hamstring injuries, one in each leg, severely limited Reiss Nelson’s opportunities to make a prolonged impact during his loan at Fulham. He will again be permitted to explore opportunities to leave the club but as was the case last summer, Arsenal would prefer a permanent deal. As an academy player, selling Nelson would be booked as pure profit under the Premier League’s financial rules, which would increase Arsenal’s flexibility in the market.

Marquinhos, 22, is on loan with Cruzeiro until December. The Brazilian side are keen to renegotiate the terms of his loan to allow him to play more games without triggering a purchase option.

Another factor to consider in Arsenal’s pursuit of a winger is the future of Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal are talking to the 18-year-old about a new contract, and a clear pathway to regular first-team minutes is a key consideration.

Nwaneri exhibited a clear ability to play on the right flank during Bukayo Saka’s absence. Do Arsenal see him continuing there, or are they prepared to shift him inside to his more natural role as a No 8?

There is no debate about Arsenal’s need to add a striker. The composition of the rest of their attack, however, remains uncertain.

Martinelli and Trossard continue to hold an important place in Arteta’s pencilled plans. The market will dictate whether that is still the case come August.

(Top photo: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

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