A Champion's Farewell: Trossard's Shock Move to Istanbul
The Premier League champions are set to lose a crucial piece of their historic title-winning squad, as Leandro Trossard closes in on a stunning €20 million move to Turkish giants Besiktas. This potential Arsenal transfer news marks a significant shift, seeing a key player depart just as his international career reaches a fever pitch.
Key Points:
- Besiktas and Arsenal agree to a €20 million transfer fee for Leandro Trossard.
- The Belgian winger’s move is temporarily on hold due to his World Cup commitments.
- Trossard played a vital role in Arsenal's 2025-26 Premier League title triumph.
- Arsenal opts to cash in on the 31-year-old with one year remaining on his contract.
A Champion's Farewell: Trossard's Shock Move to Istanbul
According to reports from The Athletic, Besiktas has reached a definitive agreement with Arsenal for the 31-year-old forward. The deal is structured around a guaranteed €18 million upfront, with an additional €2 million in performance-related add-ons, bringing the total valuation to €20 million.
While the clubs have found common ground, the transfer's finalization awaits personal terms, with wages anticipated around €9 million. This strategic move by Arsenal allows them to cash in on a valuable asset who, despite a recent contract boost in 2025, has only one year remaining on his current deal by the summer of 2027. It's a clear financial decision for a player entering his thirties.
World Cup Showcase: Belgium Star Delays Club Switch
Despite the advanced nature of negotiations, an official announcement is currently on hold. Trossard is fully immersed in Belgium's World Cup campaign, where the Red Devils are preparing for a crucial last-16 clash against the United States. His focus remains squarely on international duty.
His form on the world stage has been nothing short of spectacular. He has started all four matches, bagging two goals and an assist in a dominant 5-1 group-stage victory over New Zealand. Furthermore, he delivered a vital assist in Belgium's thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Senegal in the last-32 phase, proving his immense value.
An Emirates Era Ends: Trossard's Impact at Arsenal
The £27 Million Gem
Since joining from Brighton for £27 million in January 2023, Trossard quickly became a dependable figure in Mikel Arteta's squad. He amassed an impressive 174 appearances, contributing 36 goals and 34 assists. His versatility saw him primarily deployed from the left flank, though he capably covered central roles during injury crises.
His most prolific season for goalscoring came in 2023-24, netting 16 times across the Premier League and Champions League. This built on his strong start at Brighton, which famously included a hat-trick against Liverpool in a 3-3 draw earlier in the 2022-23 campaign.
Premier League Glory and Key Contributions
If Trossard does depart, he will leave North London as a Premier League champion, a title secured in the 2025-26 season—Arsenal's first since the Invincibles era of 2004. He played a pivotal role, making 50 appearances across all competitions last term, recording 8 goals and 11 assists.
Crucially, his 83rd-minute winner against West Ham during that historic season kept the Gunners ahead of rivals Manchester City in the title race. His departure marks the end of a successful, albeit relatively short, chapter at the Emirates.
