Arsenal legend Alan Smith has criticised Mikel Arteta's decision to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17m, calling it a potential transfer mistake. Smith, who played for the Gunners from 1987 to 1995, expressed surprise that the club would part with the Belgian winger, who has been a key squad player since joining in 2023.
Smith questions the logic behind Trossard's sale
Speaking to BestBettingSites, Smith said: 'Do you think Arsenal get a better squad player than Leandro Trossard for that sort of money? Difficult, very difficult.' He highlighted Trossard's contributions, including crucial goals like the winner at West Ham late last season, and noted that fans 'love him, always singing Leo, and they'll be sad to see him go.'
Smith added: 'Maybe Trossard wanted to go, maybe there was an offer there and he thought he had done his bit in England. You never know what's behind the scenes, but yeah, I think the fans certainly will be sorry to see him go.'
Arsenal's transfer plans and Trossard's role
Arteta is aiming to strengthen his squad with at least three major signings as Arsenal prepare to defend their Premier League title. The club have shown interest in Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Bradley Barcola. However, to fund these moves, Arteta is willing to let several players leave, including Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Trossard.
Trossard attracted interest from Besiktas and Saudi Arabian clubs after the season ended. He is close to agreeing personal terms with the Turkish giants, and Arsenal have accepted a £17m offer. The decision comes after the club failed to extend Trossard's contract, which had one year remaining.
Trossard's impact at Arsenal
Since his £27m arrival from Brighton in January 2023, Trossard has made 174 appearances for Arsenal. He played 31 of 36 Premier League games last season, contributing to the club's first league title since 2004. Trossard also started the Champions League final against PSG in May, which Arsenal lost on penalties after he was substituted late in extra time.
The 31-year-old will complete his move after the World Cup, where Belgium face European champions Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Smith's warning for Arteta
Smith's comments underscore a broader concern that selling a proven performer like Trossard for a relatively modest fee could backfire. 'I think, when you see what he's contributed over the years, he scored some big goals,' Smith said. 'It will be very difficult to replace him with that sort of money.'
