Arsenal have reached an agreement with Turkish giants Besiktas for the transfer of Leandro Trossard in a deal worth €20 million (£17 million), paving the way for the Belgian forward to leave the Premier League champions after more than three years at the Emirates Stadium.
The proposed transfer is not yet complete, with personal terms still to be agreed between Trossard and the Istanbul club. The Belgium international, who is currently away on World Cup duty, is reportedly expected to make a final decision once his tournament commitments have concluded.
According to reports, the agreement between the clubs comprises an initial €18 million fee, with a further €2 million payable through performance-related add-ons. Besiktas are also believed to be offering wages of around €9 million as negotiations with the player’s representatives continue.
Trossard has entered the final year of his Arsenal contract, making this summer an opportunity for the club to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
The 31-year-old played an important role during Arsenal’s Premier League-winning campaign, featuring 50 times across all competitions. He contributed eight goals and 11 assists, although only 21 of those appearances came in the starting line-up.
Since joining Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 in a deal worth around £27 million, Trossard has amassed 174 appearances, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists.
His time in north London has delivered a Premier League winners’ medal, while he also finished runner-up in both the UEFA Champions League and the League Cup last season.
Should the move be completed, Trossard will join a Besiktas side looking to bounce back after finishing fourth in the Turkish Super Lig.
The club enters the new campaign under the leadership of former Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano, with supporters hoping the Belgian can help usher in a fresh chapter.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs said an agreement in principle had been struck between Arsenal and Besiktas, although the remaining hurdle is finalising the player’s contract.
“There is a fee that has been agreed between the two clubs,” Jacobs told talkSPORT.
“Besiktas still have to agree personal terms with Trossard and they will send a delegation right here to America in Seattle to try and finalise this one. Although Trossard might wait until after the World Cup to make a final determination.
“But there is an agreement in principle between Arsenal and Besiktas.”
Jacobs also dismissed suggestions that Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah had tabled an offer, saying they admired the player but had not entered formal negotiations.
Arsenal’s willingness to part ways with Trossard reflects the club’s plans to further strengthen a squad that finally ended its long wait for the Premier League title.
Sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta are understood to be targeting significant reinforcements this summer, with Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers emerging as the club’s preferred option to strengthen the left side of the attack.
Although Villa are reportedly seeking around £130 million for the England international, Arsenal are said to have made encouraging progress in discussions with Rogers’ representatives and are exploring different payment structures to make a deal possible.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola also remains under consideration, although reports suggest Rogers is currently Arsenal’s first-choice target.
PSG are believed to value Barcola at more than €135 million (£116 million). However, speculation over his future has intensified, with Liverpool also monitoring the French international.
Reports suggest PSG’s expected signing of Yan Diomande could create room for Barcola to depart later in the transfer window.
Former talkSPORT commentator Ian Danter believes Trossard’s likely departure underlines Arteta’s determination to keep Arsenal evolving despite their domestic success.
“I suppose him and Gabriel Martinelli have been in a scrap for that left-sided position in that front four of Arsenal for some time,” Danter said.
“He’s over 30, so there’s that thing about a last move, a last contract. Maybe that makes sense from Leandro’s point of view, getting one last big pay day for a potential move.
“It’s fairly ruthless from Arteta if he’s happy to let him go, but that’s what you do. You don’t stay ahead as title winners by standing still.
“We saw what happened with Liverpool. They didn’t invest in the way they wanted.
“Maybe Arteta’s thinking, ‘Right, if we’re going to maintain what we’ve got and kick on and maybe try and win a Champions League, I’ve got to be ruthless about who I keep and who I let go.’
“So if Trossard’s been let go, that’s quite a sign for me.”
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
