Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been a whirlwind of activity, with the Gunners bolstering their squad with six high-profile signings under Mikel Arteta’s guidance. The arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have significantly strengthened the team, but the North London club is not done yet. As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal are now focusing on potential sales to fund further reinforcements, with Leandro Trossard’s future at the Emirates Stadium hanging in the balance and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze emerging as a prime target.
Trossard’s Uncertain Future
Leandro Trossard, the versatile Belgian forward, has been a key squad player for Arsenal since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 for £27 million. With 28 goals and 23 assists in 124 appearances, Trossard has proven his worth as a reliable and dynamic attacking option. However, his future at the club is now under intense scrutiny. Reports indicate that Trossard, who is contracted until 2027, has yet to sign a rumored contract extension, fueling speculation about a potential departure. The 30-year-old’s recent switch to a new agency, DH Sports & Entertainment, has only added to the uncertainty, with sources suggesting he could be on the move before the transfer window closes on August 31, 2025.
Aston Villa have emerged as a surprise contender for Trossard’s signature, with reports claiming that the Midlands club has made early-stage inquiries with Arsenal about a potential transfer. This development follows interest from Borussia Dortmund, Fenerbahce, and two unnamed Premier League clubs, with Villa’s contact signaling a growing race for the Belgian’s services. Arsenal’s willingness to consider offers for Trossard is reportedly tied to their need to raise funds and create squad space for new signings, particularly in the attacking department.
Eberechi Eze: The Dream Replacement
The potential departure of Trossard has paved the way for Arsenal to intensify their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the left wing, has been a long-term target for the Gunners. Eze’s flair, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, with his versatility allowing him to play as a No. 10, on either wing, or in a midfield three. His standout performances for Palace last season, including 8 goals and 8 assists in 34 Premier League appearances, have only heightened Arsenal’s interest.
Reports suggest that Arsenal have already opened talks with Crystal Palace over Eze, with the player’s £67.5 million release clause set to expire before the Premier League season begins on August 16, 2025. While Palace are demanding at least £35 million upfront, Arsenal are hopeful of negotiating a more flexible payment structure to secure the deal. Eze, who once spent time in Arsenal’s academy before being released at age 13, is reportedly keen on a return to the Emirates, and his agent has urged the Gunners to act swiftly amidst interest from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The potential signing of Eze is seen as a direct response to Trossard’s possible exit. While Trossard has been a valuable asset, pundits and analysts, including Gunners legend Ray Parlour and journalist Charles Watts, have labeled his departure an “acceptable sacrifice” if it means securing Eze. The Palace star’s ability to bring unpredictability and creativity to Arsenal’s midfield and attack is seen as a missing piece in Arteta’s squad, particularly in the left-eight role, where current options like Declan Rice and Mikel Merino lack the same flair.
Rodrygo: A High-Profile Alternative
In addition to Eze, Arsenal have also been heavily linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, who can play on either flank or as a center-forward, has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior commanding regular starts. Rodrygo’s limited involvement at the Club World Cup has fueled speculation about a potential move to the Premier League, with Arsenal among the clubs registering interest.
However, securing Rodrygo’s signature would be a costly endeavor, with Real Madrid reportedly demanding over €100 million (£86.4 million) to part ways with the versatile forward. Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo is seen as separate from their pursuit of Eze, as the Brazilian is viewed as a natural left-winger to replace Trossard, while Eze’s primary role would likely be in central attacking midfield. Despite competition from Manchester City and Liverpool, Arsenal remain in the conversation for Rodrygo, though a move for him may hinge on Trossard’s departure and the funds generated from it.
Balancing the Squad
Arsenal’s transfer strategy this summer has been aggressive, with sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta working tirelessly to address the squad’s weaknesses after another trophyless season. The signings of Gyokeres and Madueke have bolstered the attack, while Zubimendi and Norgaard have added depth in midfield. However, the Gunners’ attacking injury crisis last season exposed a lack of depth, and the potential addition of Eze and/or Rodrygo would provide the quality and versatility needed to compete on multiple fronts.
To accommodate these high-profile targets, Arsenal are open to further sales beyond Trossard. Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira are also linked with moves away, with Fulham showing interest in Zinchenko and Nelson. These departures would help balance the books and create squad space, allowing Arteta to finalize his vision for the 2025/26 season.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
As the transfer window nears its climax, Arsenal fans are on edge awaiting confirmation of Eze’s potential arrival and clarity on Trossard’s future. The Gunners’ pursuit of both Eze and Rodrygo signals their ambition to challenge for the Premier League title and end their trophy drought. While Trossard’s contributions have been invaluable, the prospect of adding a dynamic playmaker like Eze and a proven winger like Rodrygo could elevate Arsenal to new heights.
With just weeks remaining until the transfer deadline, the coming days will be crucial for Arsenal. Will Trossard’s departure pave the way for a blockbuster signing, or will the Gunners opt to retain their versatile forward? One thing is certain: Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a squad capable of dethroning the Premier League champions.