Leandro Trossard set for transfer to Besiktas as Arsenal nears summer exit
Arsenal is preparing for the transfer of Leandro Trossard, with reports from The Athletic indicating that Besiktas has reached an agreement for a fee of “€20million (£17.1m, $22.9m)” for the Belgium international. The proposal outlines “€18m as a base fee, supplemented by €2m in potential add-ons,” which reveals much about Arsenal’s valuation of the player while acknowledging the current circumstances.
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Trossard, aged 31 and with “one year remaining on his contract,” presents Arsenal with a situation where his value is likely to decrease going forward. While fans may feel sentimental, top clubs cannot afford to let such matters linger. Discussions regarding personal terms are ongoing, with anticipated wages reaching “around €9m,” and the transfer agreement is still pending completion.
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Trossard deal is financially sensible
The situation is straightforward. Arsenal acquired Trossard from Brighton for “£27million ($35.8m)” in January 2023. He provided valuable depth, versatility, and productivity across multiple positions. Recovering £17.1m for a 31-year-old about to enter the final year of his contract represents sound business for the club.
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Trossard had a productive final full season at Arsenal, making 50 appearances across all competitions, netting eight goals and contributing 11 assists. He started 21 league matches as Arsenal secured the Premier League title in 2025-26 and played a pivotal role with an “83rd-minute winner against West Ham United on May 10.” These contributions are significant, not merely statistics.
Belgium’s performance keeps focus on Arsenal transfer
Currently, the timing of the transfer is complicated. Trossard is participating in the World Cup with Belgium, having “started all four matches” under coach Rudi Garcia. He has already scored twice in the 5-1 group stage triumph over New Zealand and assisted in the 3-2 comeback win against Senegal. Therefore, any transfer developments are likely to wait until Belgium’s World Cup journey concludes.
Throughout his time at Arsenal, Trossard has made a solid impact, totaling 174 appearances with 36 goals and 34 assists. He primarily played on the left wing but also took on central roles as needed, generally without fuss. His best scoring season came in 2023-24, during which he netted 16 goals across the Premier League and Champions League.
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Our Perspective
From the standpoint of an Arsenal fan, this transfer is bittersweet, as Trossard has embodied the qualities every successful team needs: consistency without drama, a strong work ethic, and crucial performance under pressure. While he may not have been the star player, his contributions in key moments and overall reliability have been vital.
Thus, this deal, while logical financially, carries an emotional weight. If Arsenal can secure £17.1m now, considering Trossard’s contract situation, it reflects the pragmatic decisions teams must often make. However, fans are right to acknowledge the loss of a dependable and adaptable player who can influence a match from both the start and the bench.
The main concern lies in finding an adequate replacement. Filling the void left by Trossard is not simply about signing a bigger name; it involves ensuring that the squad retains intelligence, movement, creativity in the final third, and the capability to influence tight contests. Arsenal clinched the league title in 2025-26 because they had impactful players like Trossard throughout the squad.
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Should Trossard move to Besiktas, he departs with respect and appreciation. Fans will remember his contributions—the goals, assists, and calmness in tense situations. These attributes are enduring. They always hold significance.
Source: The Athletic