£27m Arsenal man is the first player Mikel Arteta needs to sell this summer - opinion

Following the near conclusion of a deal for Riccardo Calafiori, it feels as if Arsenal’s summer transfer window is finally kicking into gear.

Both Euro 2024 and Copa America were always going to cause delays in that respect – but it seems Edu and his team have been laying solid foundations.

As mentioned, a deal to take Calafiori to Arsenal is almost completed, and the Gunners can then move onto their search for a midfielder and a wide-forward.

In that respect, Arteta has made it clear that Nico Williams is his first choice if Arsenal were to recruit an offensive option before the end of August.

And in the middle, Arsenal have been impressed with another Spaniard, Mikel Merino.

Arteta is in awe of Merino’s physicality, perhaps meaning he could line up alongside Declan Rice next season.

But all of these players won’t arrive without members of Arteta’s squad leaving.

In that regard, it seems as if the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and possibly even Eddie Nketiah could leave.

But are Arsenal missing a trick?

Arsenal should cash in on Leandro Trossard to fund Nico Williams move

Although it won’t be a universally popular opinion, Arsenal should consider a departure for Leandro Trossard.

For the entirety of Arteta and Edu’s time working together in north London they’ve struggled to recoup sufficient fees for players leaving the club – it’s the only criticism you can levy at the pair right now.

And although it may seem odd to cash in on Trossard after such an effective season, it’s the right thing to do.

At 29-years-old, Trossard is arguably coming to the end of his prime as a winger, a position that ultimately relies on pace.

And although the Belgian replaced Gabriel Martinelli towards the end of last season, Arsenal fans must imagine that the Brazilian will win back his spot come the new season.

Martinelli endured a frustrating campaign, but remains one of the most exciting players at the club.

And if Arsenal are at risk of being priced out of a move for Williams – it would make perfect sense to sell Trossard to fund the upgrade.

Arsenal should learn from Man City’s decision to sell Riyad Mahrez

As harsh as it may sound, Arsenal won’t miss Trossard with the Spaniard around.

Arsenal need to sell Trossard before his contract begins to run down, otherwise they could seriously struggle to recoup the £27m they paid to sign the Belgian if they leave it another year.

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The winger’s contract expires in 2026, and it seems unlikely that Arsenal would offer Trossard anything more than a one-year extension at that time, given he will almost be 31-years-old.

As stated, not everyone will agree that selling Trossard is the solution.

But if his departure is able to fund a move for Williams – who is evidently an absolute superstar, Arsenal shouldn’t hesitate.

Knowing when to sell is just as important as buying in today’s market, and Arsenal should learn from Manchester City’s decision to part with players like Riyad Mahrez in recent years – decisions which justify themselves in time.