Arsenal are preparing to say goodbye to Leandro Trossard after accepting a €20million offer from Turkish side Besiktas, according to The Athletic. The deal includes an €18m fee plus €2m in add-ons, with the 31-year-old set to earn around €9m per year. Trossard, who cost Arsenal £27m in January 2023, will complete the move after the World Cup, where Belgium are still competing.
Trossard's role in Arsenal's title win
Trossard was arguably Arsenal's most consistent forward last season, despite a lengthy goalless run. He scored a crucial late winner at West Ham during the run-in, helping Mikel Arteta's side end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. However, Arsenal's attack often relied on defensive strengths and set-pieces, with Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli struggling from open play. Viktor Gyokeres, signed for £62m from Sporting Lisbon, showed only flashes of form, while Kai Havertz ended the campaign as Arteta's preferred striker despite fitness doubts.
Contract situation and departure
Arsenal gave Trossard a pay rise last year but did not extend his contract, which expires in June 2027. The club has now sanctioned his departure, with Trossard expected to finalise the move after Belgium's World Cup campaign. Belgium advanced after a dramatic comeback win over Senegal in the round of 32 and face co-hosts USA on Monday for a quarter-final spot. Trossard has started all four matches for his country so far.
Replacement targets
Arsenal have identified several potential replacements. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is the top target, while the club is monitoring Bradley Barcola's situation at Paris Saint-Germain. A deal for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis is also being explored, with a fee of around €40m mentioned.
