£27m Arsenal star heading for SHOCK exit after ‘pay rise’ as journalist reveals Andrea Berta plans for TWO midfielders

Arsenal could sell Leandro Trossard in the January transfer window and plan to replace him with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, according to a journalist, who has also named the two midfielders that Andrea Berta aims to hand new deals to.

Trossard has been on the books of Arsenal since January 2023 when he joined from Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion for £27million (€31m, $36m), including add-ons. The Belgium international has made 132 appearances for the Gunners since, scoring 30 goals and giving 25 assists in the process.

On August 19, BBC Sport reported that Arsenal handed Trossard a new deal that saw him get ‘a pay rise’, but the length of the contract remains the same – until 2027.

The 30-year-old is an important squad player at Arsenal and has scored two goals and given two assists in eight appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this season.

However, according to TBR, Arsenal could sell Trossard in the January transfer window, with sporting director Berta’s plan being to replace him with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey noted: “Leandro Trossard is another one to watch.

“He got a pay rise recently, but there’s still a realistic chance he could leave in January as well.

“That said, Arsenal aren’t pushing anyone out, they’re happy with the squad as it stands.

“If an opportunity arises, they’ll look at it. I can imagine the Rodrygo conversation coming up again, given his struggles at Real Madrid, where he’s not getting many minutes.

“If that option becomes available, and Trossard were to move on, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility. They were considering it before, so it’s something to keep an eye on.”

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Could Rodrygo leave Real Madrid for Arsenal?

It would come as a shock if Arsenal decided to get rid of Trossard so soon after showing him how much they value him.

Moreover, Arteta would not want to lose a winger who competes with Gabriel Martinelli for a spot on the left flank.

It is also unlikely that Rodrygo would leave Real Madrid for Arsenal in the January transfer window.

Rodrygo went public with his desire to stay at Real Madrid, telling AS this week that the only reason he will leave the Spanish and European giants is if they tell him to.

While it is true that Rodrygo is struggling to play regularly in the starting line-up under Madrid manager Xabi Alonso – the 24-year-old Brazil international winger has made just one start in LaLiga this season – his public stance that that he is living his dream at the Santiago Bernabeu should end all speculation linking him with an exit.

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Arsenal could hand Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard new contracts

William Saliba has already signed a new contract with Arsenal, who convinced the France international central defender to turn down the lure of a move to Real Madrid.

David Raya has also finalised a new deal with the Gunners, with sources telling TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka are next in line for improved contracts with Arsenal.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has added in Arsenal Insider that Berta could then turn his attention to new deals for star midfielders Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Bailey said: “Odegaard and Rice could be next up for new contracts, but with them it’s more about the length of contract, rather than increasing their wages.

“Whilst with Raya and Timber, it’s about rewarding them.

“Raya’s got two and a half years left. He’s 30, but they do recognise the improvement in him. He’s now one of the Premier League’s best.

“They’re recognising his status in the game as a whole and in the Premier League and are rewarding him for that progress, and it’s very similar with Timber.

“Neither is one of the higher earners at the club, but they are going to benefit from their status.”

Latest Arsenal news: Chelsea competition, wild rumour dismissed

In other Arsenal news, Chelsea are planning to beat the Gunners to the signing of one of Barcelona’s best players.

Arsenal are also facing competition from Chelsea for one of Serie A’s brightest gems, but his club are adamant that they will not sell him.

And finally, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has dismissed a wild rumour about Arsenal and one of Barcelona’s best midfielders.

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