Leandro Trossard is set to delay a decision on his Arsenal future until after the World Cup, as Turkish club Besiktas have submitted a verbal offer worth up to €20 million (£17.25 million) for the winger. The 31-year-old Belgian international is entering the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and his newly-rebranded agency FOKUS has been fielding inquiries about his availability.
Besiktas make verbal offer
Besiktas, who attempted to sign Trossard last September, have made him one of their top summer targets. Sources close to the Turkish club indicate that the verbal offer is financially acceptable to Arsenal should the player express interest in the move. However, Trossard is currently focused on Belgium's World Cup campaign, with the team preparing for their Round of 32 clash against Senegal in Seattle.
His camp has made it clear that he does not want distractions during the tournament, which could be his last World Cup. Trossard is realistic about his situation, acknowledging that a transfer could be on the cards as Arsenal look to recruit one or possibly two new left-wingers.
Other interested clubs
Saudi Pro League side Al-Diraiyah has also shown interest in the former Brighton attacker, but Trossard may prefer to remain in one of Europe's top-five leagues. Italian clubs, including Roma, have made inquiries in the past year, while Turkish giants Fenerbahce previously attempted to sign him.
When asked about his future several weeks ago ahead of Belgium's World Cup warm-up fixture against Tunisia, Trossard said: “At the moment I am still at Arsenal, so there is not much to say about that.” Pressed on whether he could stay with the Premier League champions, he replied: “At the moment, yes. At the moment I am still at Arsenal and we will see what happens.”
Performance and contract details
Trossard contributed eight goals and 11 assists last season in all competitions and started the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. He has also impressed at the World Cup, scoring two goals and registering one assist for Belgium. Last summer, he received a pay rise to reflect his importance to Mikel Arteta's side, but while the terms of his contract were adjusted, the length of his deal remained unchanged.
