Arsenal agree fee with Besiktas for Leandro Trossard

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Turkish side Besiktas over a transfer fee for Leandro Trossard, according to reports. The Belgium international forward is now expected to depart north London after two seasons at the Emirates.

Background and tactical context

Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 for an initial £21 million. He made 43 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. However, his playing time diminished in the second half of the campaign after the emergence of Leandro and Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.

Mikel Arteta's system relies heavily on fluid front-three movement, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Martinelli as preferred starters. Trossard's versatility – capable of playing across the frontline – made him a useful squad option, but the manager has prioritised adding a more direct wide threat this summer.

Arsenal's pressing structure demands high energy from forwards. Trossard, while technically gifted, does not offer the same defensive work rate as Martinelli or Jesus. This tactical mismatch likely influenced the decision to move him on.

Impact on Arsenal's squad depth and transfer plans

With Trossard's departure, Arsenal lose a dependable rotation option. However, the club has already added Kai Havertz – who can play as a false nine or attacking midfielder – and is pursuing further reinforcements. The fee received for Trossard will help balance the books and potentially fund a bid for a new winger or right-back.

From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Trossard was owned by just 2.1% of managers at the time of the news. His average of 3.1 points per game last season made him a low-risk, low-reward asset. FPL managers should monitor Arsenal's next moves; if they sign an attacking player, it could affect the minutes of Saka or Martinelli.

  • Arsenal have now raised around £45 million from player sales this window (including Trossard, plus departures of Granit Xhaka and Folarin Balogun).
  • Besiktas are expected to offer Trossard a three-year contract with an option for a further season.
  • The Belgian will join a Turkish side that finished third in the Super Lig last season, and will play in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.

What happens next?

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with Trossard keen to secure regular first-team football ahead of Euro 2028. The deal is likely to be completed within the next 48 hours. For Arsenal, the focus now shifts to finalising the arrival of a new midfielder or wide attacker before the transfer deadline on 1 February 2026. The club remains in discussions with several agents and is prepared to spend if the right target becomes available.

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