Arsenal are in discussions to sell Premier League title winner Leandro Trossard and are preparing for potential approaches from Newcastle United and Aston Villa. The 30-year-old Belgian winger is one of at least four members of Mikel Arteta's championship-winning squad who could be offloaded during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 for £27 million and has been a consistent performer, netting 35 goals over three seasons. He scored a crucial winner in a 1-0 victory against West Ham United late in the campaign and started the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Declining contributions and potential replacements
Despite scoring seven goals in the first half of the season, Trossard's output diminished as the term progressed. Arsenal are believed to be willing to sell him as they target a new left-winger, with interest in PSG's Bradley Barcola and AC Milan's Rafael Leao.
According to reports in Turkey, Besiktas have held talks with both Arsenal and Trossard's representatives over a summer move. The Turkish club have long admired the player and attempted to sign him last summer, only to be rebuffed. However, Arsenal are now more inclined to negotiate a deal, though Newcastle, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Juventus are also monitoring his situation.
Newcastle and Villa's interest
Newcastle could sign a new winger to replace Anthony Gordon, who recently completed a £70 million move to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have sent Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United following his loan spell.
Trossard's stance on his future
Speaking before Arsenal's Champions League final against PSG, Trossard indicated he could stay at the Emirates Stadium for one more season and see out his contract. 'At the moment, yes,' he said when asked if he would remain beyond the World Cup. 'I still have one year on my contract, and hopefully, first we win the Champions League. Then I think next season can be another very nice season. Competition is always there, I am not afraid of that. They can bring in whoever they want. I know that I can hold my own.'
Discussing last summer's transfer window and nearly leaving Arsenal, Trossard added: 'It was more about appreciation towards me, and I did feel that. In the summer, I had a very good conversation with the coach. He also helped me in those negotiations and showed me that he really saw me as an important piece. I asked him honest questions and he was very honest in his answers to me. I am someone who, if you give me confidence, can give more. If you show me that I can be an important player for you, then I can give more. I feel that on the pitch.'
Pundit opinions
While Trossard has suggested he could stay, several pundits have singled him out as a player Arteta should upgrade this summer. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard told TNT Sports in March: 'I think Arsenal will potentially go for a player on the left. I don't think Gabriel Martinelli has been as good as he was previously maybe and Leandro Trossard is a good player but that is an area they might look at in terms of how to get the team and squad better.'
