Arsenal open talks to sign World Cup star and confirm £22m transfer exit

Arsenal have made an approach to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic as he continues to impress at the World Cup.

The Gunners are interested in adding a new left-winger to Mikel Arteta’s title-winning squad.

Arteta has Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli at his disposal in that area of the pitch but Arsenal are believed to be open to offers for both.

For the first time since his arrival Trossard failed to hit double digits last season, scoring eight goals in 50 appearances in all competitions.

Trossard did pop up with a crucial goal against West Ham during the title run-in but Arsenal are nevertheless considering replacing the Belgian.

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Besiktas are known admirers of Trossard and recent reports even claim Arsenal have accepted an offer from the Turkish giants worth around £17m.

Arsenal’s longest-serving player Martinelli could also be heading out of the Emirates Stadium after a season in which he scored just once in the Premier League.

Martinelli will not be short of offers if he is forced out, however, given he is still just 25 and has played a key role in Brazil’s World Cup campaign.

The feeling within Arsenal is that Trossard and Martinelli can be upgraded, and the Gunners have been heavily linked with PSG winger Bradley Barcola.

But the English champions are also looking at other options as PSG do not appear particularly receptive to bids for Barcola, who is currently at the World Cup, with tournament favourites France.

As a result Arsenal have expressed interest in Leverkusen’s Alajbegovic, who is also at the World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Football London say Arsenal have reached out to Alajbegovic’s representatives to discuss a possible move to north London this summer.

Alajbegovic, who turns 19 in September, scored 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season before he returned to Leverkusen through a £7m buy-back clause.

The highly-rated winger signed a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen but his future remains far from certain as rival clubs consider moves.

Alajbegovic is expected to start Bosnia’s last-32 World Cup clash against co-hosts USA on Thursday morning.

While Arsenal chase a new winger, they are also working on outgoings and have sold Jakub Kiwior to Porto.

Kiwior, 26, spent last season on loan at the Portuguese club, who have activated a clause to sign him permanently for around £22m.

Arteta signed the Poland defender from Spezia in 2023 but he struggled to break into the Arsenal team before moving to Porto.

‘Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto after the Portuguese side exercised their option to make his loan deal permanent,’ the club said in a statement.

‘Everyone at Arsenal thanks Jakub for his contribution during his time at the club, and wishes him all the best for the future.’

Arsenal could also sell the aforementioned Trossard and Martinelli, back-up right-back Ben White and No. 2 goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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