Leandro Trossard Nears Besiktas Exit in £20m Deal

Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Turkish side Besiktas, with a £20m transfer fee under discussion. Club-to-club talks have progressed significantly, according to Caught Offside.

Trossard's Arsenal Journey: From Key Contributor to Surplus?

The 29-year-old Belgian joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 for £27m, providing an immediate impact with goals and assists. In his first half-season, he scored once and assisted three times in 12 Premier League appearances, helping secure Champions League qualification. Last season, Trossard registered 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, often deputising effectively on the left wing or as a false nine.

However, with the emergence of Gabriel Martinelli and the arrival of Kai Havertz, Trossard's minutes have diminished. He has started only three of Arsenal's last ten league matches, raising questions about his long-term role under Mikel Arteta. The potential £20m fee represents a modest profit on the initial investment, but also reflects his reduced importance in the squad.

Tactically, Trossard's versatility has been an asset: he can play across the front line and in midfield. His departure would leave Arsenal with less depth in wide areas, particularly if Bukayo Saka or Martinelli suffer injuries. Arteta may need to rely on Emile Smith Rowe or even Reiss Nelson as backup options, or accelerate plans to sign a new winger in the summer window.

Impact on Arsenal's Transfer Plans and FPL Value

If the deal goes through, Arsenal would free up wages and add to their transfer budget. The club have been linked with moves for a left-sided attacker, such as Christos Tzolis, and a central midfielder. Trossard's exit might accelerate those pursuits.

  • Fantasy Premier League: Trossard's current ownership is around 5%, and he is priced at £6.5m. A move to Besiktas would remove him from FPL, but Arsenal's remaining fixtures are favourable, making Martinelli or Saka more essential picks.
  • Title race context: Arsenal are in a tight battle with Manchester City and Liverpool. Losing a player of Trossard's calibre might weaken squad depth, but if the funds are reinvested wisely, it could strengthen the first eleven.
  • Historical precedent: Similar mid-season departures of squad players (e.g., Fábio Vieira on loan) have not derailed Arsenal's momentum. However, Trossard has been a crucial impact substitute, scoring five goals from the bench this season.

What's Next for Trossard and Arsenal

The next 48 hours will be critical as Besiktas look to finalise terms. If the transfer proceeds, Trossard would join a club pushing for the Turkish Süper Lig title, offering him regular first-team football. For Arsenal, the focus will shift to ensuring adequate cover remains in place for the run-in. Arteta has previously stated that no player will be allowed to leave unless a suitable replacement is brought in, suggesting any departure might be contingent on an incoming transfer.

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