ART DEALER Gunners boss may have to offload Trossard or Martinelli with big-name striker and winger on his summer transfer hit-list
MIKEL ARTETA may have to sacrifice one of his big guns to fund a summer rebuild.
Arsenal might have to sell either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli who have both been targets for Saudi Pro League clubs.
The Gunners boss 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.
Winger Trossard, 30, has another year left on his deal and has had extensive contract talks as he has been a huge hit since joining for £27million in January 2023.
Martinelli, 23, has been out injured but has struggled to recapture his best form, although that has not put off potential suitors.
Arsenal do have scope to do big deals this summer both in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules and their spending power.
Arteta is a huge admirer of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak but more realistically they may go for RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko may be allowed to go for £55m but Arsenal also want to spend big on other forward options having been caught horribly short with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all out injured.
They 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. They are also admirers of Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Arsenal are set to say goodbye to Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are out of contract this summer. They have a £51m deal lined up for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
But they do want a big shake-up and they may also have to offload players with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to be surplus to requirements.
Arsenal are also hoping to appoint a new sporting director to replace Edu who quit last year.
Interim Jason Ayto is in the frame. Roberto Olabe, who established his reputation at Real Sociedad, has been the favourite.
Former Manchester United and Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta and Thiago Scuro are also among the candidates.