Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been a whirlwind of activity, with sporting director Andrea Berta overseeing a significant overhaul of Mikel Arteta’s squad. The club invested over £250 million in eight new signings, including permanent arrivals Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Cristhian Mosquera, alongside a deadline-day loan deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. However, the Gunners failed to generate funds through player sales, with most departures—Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Sambi Lokonga—being loan moves. This lack of incoming revenue has placed Arsenal in a precarious financial position, making the latest transfer rumor surrounding Leandro Trossard a potential nightmare for Arteta.
Despite the transfer window closing in most major leagues, Trossard, one of Arsenal’s most sellable assets, continues to attract interest. Turkish outlet Sozcu reports that Besiktas have tabled a £19 million (€22m) bid for the Belgian international, with negotiations ongoing. Additionally, clubs in the Saudi Pro League, where the transfer window remains open, are also circling. This development comes at a particularly inopportune time for Arsenal, who recently secured Trossard to a new contract with a wage increase, though the deal still expires in 2027, matching the term of his previous agreement. The new contract was designed to reflect Trossard’s importance to the squad, particularly in light of Kai Havertz’s recent injury, which underscored the need for attacking depth.
Trossard, who joined Arsenal from Brighton for £27 million in January 2023, is now the subject of intense speculation. While the 31-year-old may be considered third-choice behind Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres, and Havartz in Arsenal’s attacking pecking order, his versatility and experience make him a vital cog in a squad competing across four competitions. Arsenal’s injury concerns further highlight his value, with key players like Bukayo Saka, Ben White, William Saliba, Christian Norgaard, and Havartz already sidelined at various points this season. Last season’s injury woes in the attacking unit serve as a stark reminder of the risks of letting a player of Trossard’s caliber leave mid-season.
A £27 million offer, matching the fee Arsenal paid for Trossard, might seem tempting given the club’s failure to recoup funds this summer. However, with no possibility of signing a replacement until January, accepting such a bid would be a gamble. Arteta’s worst-case scenario would see Arsenal lose a proven performer without adequate cover, placing immense pressure on Martinelli, Eze, Gyokeres, and potentially young prospect Max Dowman to fill the void. To even consider a sale, a significantly higher offer—potentially in the region of £40 million from a Saudi Pro League club—would be necessary to justify the risk.
Besiktas’ £19 million proposal falls short of Arsenal’s valuation, and with Trossard’s new contract signaling his importance, it seems unlikely that the club would entertain such an offer. However, a “mammoth bid” from Saudi Arabia could test Arsenal’s resolve, especially if financial pressures mount. For now, Arteta will be desperate to retain Trossard, whose departure could unravel Arsenal’s ambitions in a season where squad depth is already being tested. As the transfer rumors persist, Arsenal fans will hope the club stands firm and avoids a decision that could haunt them in the long term.