As the summer transfer window slams shut for the Premier League, Arsenal’s squad reshaping is far from over. With transfer windows still open in Turkey (until September 12), Saudi Arabia (September 23), Greece (September 12), and Serbia (September 17), the Gunners have a golden opportunity to finalize outgoing deals for two talented players: Leandro Trossard and Charles Sagoe Jr. Manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly given the green light for both to explore immediate moves, capitalizing on interest from abroad to fine-tune his squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Leandro Trossard in Arsenal training.
Trossard’s Turkish Temptation
Leandro Trossard, the 30-year-old Belgian winger, has been a fan favorite at the Emirates since joining from Brighton in January 2023. Praised for his “outstanding” versatility and close control, Trossard has contributed 28 goals and 23 assists in 124 appearances for Arsenal. However, with fierce competition from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and new signings like Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, Trossard’s game time has dwindled. This season, he’s made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League, remaining an unused substitute in Arsenal’s other two matches.
Turkish giants Fenerbahce, led by Jose Mourinho, have emerged as frontrunners to secure Trossard’s signature. Reports indicate that Fenerbahce have tabled a €15 million bid, with Arsenal holding out for around €20 million (£17 million with add-ons). Mourinho, a long-time admirer, has reportedly held personal talks with Trossard, convincing him with his vision for a Süper Lig title challenge and European football. The Belgian, whose contract runs until 2027 after a recent pay-rise agreement, is said to have agreed personal terms for a lucrative three-year deal worth €5 million per season. With the Turkish transfer window closing on September 12, Fenerbahce are pushing to finalize negotiations, though conflicting reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano suggest no formal bid has been received yet. Interest from Saudi clubs like Al-Ittihad also lingers, adding further intrigue to Trossard’s future.
Arteta’s willingness to let Trossard depart reflects Arsenal’s strategic shift. The funds from a potential transfer could bolster their pursuit of a marquee centre-forward, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres heavily linked. For Trossard, a move to Fenerbahce offers regular first-team football and a starring role under Mourinho, making it a tempting prospect for the versatile forward.
Sagoe Jr.’s Quest for First-Team Experience
Meanwhile, 21-year-old academy star Charles Sagoe Jr. is poised for a loan move to gain crucial first-team experience. The young winger has been a standout for Arsenal’s development squad, scoring twice and providing two assists in his first three games of the 2025/26 season. Described as “special” by youth coaches for his pace and flair, Sagoe Jr. has yet to break into Arteta’s senior squad. Previous loan spells at Swansea City and Shrewsbury Town in the EFL saw him struggle for consistent starts, highlighting the need for a carefully chosen destination to aid his development.
With transfer windows open in Turkey, Greece, and Serbia, a loan to a competitive side in one of these leagues could be ideal. Lower-tier Turkish clubs or Greek sides, known for their passionate football cultures, could provide the perfect platform for Sagoe Jr. to showcase his potential. A move to a club in Serbia, where the window remains open until September 17, is another possibility. Such a loan would allow Sagoe Jr. to test himself in a new environment, build physicality, and return to Arsenal better equipped to challenge for a first-team spot.
Arteta’s Strategic Vision
Arteta’s decision to sanction these moves underscores his ruthless approach to squad management. Arsenal’s busy summer saw eight new arrivals, including defender Piero Hincapie and midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, as the Gunners aim to end their Premier League title drought. Outgoing deals for fringe players like Nuno Tavares, Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have already streamlined the squad, and offloading Trossard and loaning Sagoe Jr. would further align Arsenal with Arteta’s vision of a lean, competitive unit.
The open transfer windows abroad present a rare opportunity to maximize value for Trossard while giving Sagoe Jr. a chance to shine. However, time is ticking. With Turkey and Greece’s windows closing on September 12 and Saudi Arabia’s on September 23, Arsenal must act swiftly to finalize these deals. For Trossard, a move to Fenerbahce could mark the start of an exciting new chapter under Mourinho’s tutelage. For Sagoe Jr., a loan abroad could be the stepping stone to a future at the Emirates.
As Arsenal fans await updates, the potential “double deal” signals Arteta’s ambition to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. Will Trossard and Sagoe Jr. seize their fresh opportunities? The next few days could be pivotal.