Arsenal are expected to be busy sellers before the transfer window closes.
Andrea Berta has spent months exploring potential departures as the Gunners look to balance the books and create room for further arrivals.
That has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Newcastle United, who are desperately searching for attacking reinforcements after missing out on one of their priority targets.
The Magpies have been looking at a number of Premier League forwards, but one Arsenal player appears to be slipping away from them already.
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Arsenal informed Newcastle that Leandro Trossard is joining another club
Newcastle’s summer transfer plans have suffered a setback.
The Magpies were heavily interested in Victor Munoz, but Liverpool moved decisively and are now expected to complete a deal for the Osasuna winger.
That has forced Eddie Howe’s side to look elsewhere.
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle have explored several alternatives, including Arsenal duo Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo.
The report claims conversations have already taken place between Newcastle and Arsenal as they sought information on the availability of both Gunners players.
However, the response regarding the Belgian was not particularly encouraging.
Newcastle were informed that Trossard is already in advanced talks over a move to Besiktas.
That does not necessarily mean the transfer is guaranteed to happen, but it sends a pretty clear message about where things currently stand.
With Trossard, who was once hailed as ‘scary’, entering the final year of his contract and Arsenal seemingly open to a sale, a move away from the Emirates has looked increasingly likely for some time.
If Besiktas get the deal over the line, Newcastle will have to focus their attention elsewhere.
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Newcastle are also interested in Gabriel Martinelli
Trossard may be moving out of reach, but Newcastle have not stopped looking at Arsenal players.
The same report claims that the Magpies have also gathered information on Martinelli’s situation and have explored what a potential deal might cost.
That is hardly surprising.
The Brazilian remains one of the most dangerous wide attackers in the Premier League when he is at his best. His pace, directness and ability to attack space would fit Newcastle’s style perfectly.
Arsenal, meanwhile, appear more open to the possibility of a sale than many supporters would have expected a year ago. Martinelli is still only 25 and remains a hugely valuable asset, which means any transfer fee would likely be significant.
Whether Newcastle could afford such a deal is another question entirely.
What is clear is that Arsenal’s message on Trossard has forced Newcastle to reassess their options, and Martinelli is one player they are now watching very closely.
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