Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard is set to join Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas in a £17 million deal, according to reports from Turkish journalists Gökmen Özcan and Fırat Günayer. The move is expected to be finalised in the coming days following Belgium’s elimination from the European Championship at the hands of Spain.
Trossard arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 and made 31 Premier League appearances last season, contributing six goals and six assists to Arsenal’s title-winning campaign. Overall, the Belgian international registered 70 goal contributions – 36 goals and 34 assists – in 174 appearances for the Gunners.
Despite his contributions, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has identified the left side of the attack as an area for improvement this summer. This decision, coupled with discussions with Trossard himself, has paved the way for his departure, as reported by Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk. Trossard reportedly prioritised a move that would keep him in European football, and Besiktas quickly emerged as his preferred destination.
Besiktas have reportedly agreed to meet Arsenal’s €20 million (£17m) valuation of the player, with no anticipated issues regarding the fee. Trossard’s agents have been in Istanbul negotiating personal terms, with a three-year contract believed to be close to completion. Once the final arrangements are confirmed, Trossard is expected to travel to Istanbul to undergo a medical.
The sale of Trossard is expected to accelerate Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is currently identified as a primary target, with the club valuing him in excess of £100 million. Arsenal are also monitoring Bradley Barcola, and are reportedly prepared to spend upwards of £260 million on attacking talent this summer. Berta is also aiming to strengthen the midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes emerging as a potential target.
