Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with France international Manu Kone, moving closer to their first entirely new signing of the summer. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard's agent has flown to Istanbul for negotiations with Besiktas, according to Turkish media.
Kone Deal Nears Completion
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claims Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Kone, meaning only a transfer fee with Roma remains to be settled. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has three years left on his contract, is valued at around £43 million by the Serie A club.
Kone has been a regular for France at the ongoing World Cup, featuring in three of their five matches, including two full 90-minute appearances in group-stage wins over Norway and Iraq, and the last-16 victory against Paraguay. His participation in the tournament may delay final negotiations, but Arsenal are confident of securing his signature.
Mikel Arteta's midfield was stretched last season due to injuries to Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard, making Kone a priority target. The Gunners have only completed Piero Hincapie's permanent arrival so far this summer.
Trossard Agent in Istanbul for Besiktas Talks
Leandro Trossard's agent and lawyer were in London earlier this week to finalise his departure from Arsenal, according to Turkish publication Sabah. The Belgian winger is now close to joining Besiktas, with the Istanbul club reportedly agreeing a £15.5 million fee with Arsenal, slightly below the anticipated £17 million.
Trossard's representatives are now in Turkey for crunch talks with Besiktas, though personal terms have not yet been confirmed. Earlier this summer, Saudi side Diriyah offered Trossard an annual package of around £8.3 million (approximately £160,000 per week), but the move fell through. Besiktas remain frontrunners, and further developments are expected imminently as Arsenal seek to raise transfer funds.
