Arsenal have initiated talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who has impressed at the World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Gunners are exploring a move for the 18-year-old as they consider upgrading their left-wing options, with both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli potentially available for transfer.
Arsenal's interest in Alajbegovic
According to Football London, Arsenal have reached out to Alajbegovic's representatives to discuss a possible summer move to north London. The teenager, who turns 19 in September, scored 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season before returning to Leverkusen through a £7 million buy-back clause. He signed a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen, but his future remains uncertain amid interest from rival clubs. Alajbegovic is expected to start Bosnia's last-32 World Cup clash against co-hosts USA on Thursday morning.
Arsenal are also monitoring other targets, including PSG winger Bradley Barcola, but PSG have been reluctant to entertain bids for the French international, who is currently at the World Cup with tournament favourites France.
Trossard and Martinelli could depart
Mikel Arteta currently has Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as his left-wing options, but the club is open to offers for both. Trossard, who failed to hit double digits for the first time since joining Arsenal, scored eight goals in 50 appearances last season. He did score a crucial goal against West Ham during the title run-in, but Arsenal are considering replacing the Belgian. Besiktas are known admirers of Trossard, and recent reports claim Arsenal have accepted a £17 million offer from the Turkish club.
Martinelli, Arsenal's longest-serving player, scored just once in the Premier League last season. However, the 25-year-old remains a key part of Brazil's World Cup campaign and is expected to attract interest if he is made available. The feeling within Arsenal is that both Trossard and Martinelli can be upgraded.
Kiwior completes permanent move to Porto
Arsenal have confirmed the permanent transfer of Jakub Kiwior to Porto for approximately £22 million. The Poland international, 26, spent last season on loan at the Portuguese club, who activated a clause to make the deal permanent. Arteta signed Kiwior from Spezia in 2023, but he struggled for game time at the Emirates before moving to Porto.
In a statement, Arsenal said: 'Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto after the Portuguese side exercised their option to make his loan deal permanent. 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 Ben White, backup right-back, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, in addition to Trossard and Martinelli, as they reshape the squad for the upcoming season.
