Arsenal has begun talks with a winger favored by Arteta, with the potential for a risky deal that would involve a considerable increase in salary…

Arsenal has opened negotiations with a winger who is highly regarded by Arteta, with a potentially risky deal on the horizon that could result in a major pay increase.

Arsenal has initiated discussions with one of Mikel Arteta’s key forwards regarding a new contract that is expected to include a substantial salary increase, as reported.

The Gunners’ performance faltered before the international break, with the team unable to secure a victory in their last four Premier League matches, resulting in two draws and two losses.

A significant challenge has been the lack of goal-scoring opportunities during Martin Odegaard’s absence, leaving players like Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka struggling to find the net and create chances.

Despite facing criticism this season, Trossard, 29, has demonstrated his value as a reliable scorer during his first 18 months at The Emirates.

According to Mail Plus, Arsenal is prepared to offer the Belgian international a lucrative new contract, even amid his recent form dip and with his 30th birthday approaching next month.

Trossard has been labeled an ‘important player’ for Arteta, prompting the club to begin negotiations with his representatives for a new agreement.

He is currently under a three-and-a-half-year contract signed upon his transfer from Brighton in January 2023, which runs until 2026.

At present, he earns £90,000 per week, but reports indicate that he will receive a ‘significant pay rise’ that will elevate his salary into the six-figure range.

Arsenal has also dismissed interest from Saudi clubs in Trossard, who has scored only two goals and provided one assist in 15 appearances this season.

Nonetheless, he remains a reliable option for Arteta, with a commendable goal contribution rate.

In his 83 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, Trossard has played 4,193 minutes, achieving 33 goal contributions (20 goals and 13 assists) at a rate of one every 127 minutes.

Mail Plus reported that Trossard attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer.

However, Arsenal’s management demonstrated their high regard for him by firmly refusing to allow his departure, emphasizing his significance to the team.

This importance to Arteta and his staff is set to be acknowledged with a new contract and salary increase, contingent upon Trossard’s acceptance of the proposed terms.

In other developments, former Premier League striker Stan Collymore has criticized Raheem Sterling for his disappointing performance at Arsenal thus far.

“Raheem Sterling has been a massive disappointment,” Collymore stated to The Metro. “He came in promising to deliver his best for the club, but that has not materialized.

“He has arguably underperformed and is certainly among the season’s flops, despite his assurances to contribute significantly at Arsenal.

“As a seasoned player with a wealth of experience, he was expected to elevate the team’s morale, yet he has failed to do so.”

Additionally, Arsenal has initiated efforts to sign assist leader Alex Baena. The Gunners scouted the Villarreal forward during Spain’s recent match against Denmark, where Baena played alongside Mikel Merino.

Baena topped LaLiga last season with 14 assists, and his contract with Villarreal includes a €60m release clause.

Lastly, TEAMtalk has confirmed that Arsenal’s primary striker target for 2025 and beyond remains Alexander Isak of Newcastle.

The Swedish forward is viewed as Arsenal’s ideal candidate, meeting all their criteria for a striker.

Reports suggest that Isak may consider a move from The Magpies to a club that consistently competes in the Champions League, although any transfer would likely require a fee of at least £100m.