Leandro Trossard is on the verge of leaving Arsenal after informing the club he is ready to complete a move to Turkish giants Besiktas, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year spell in north London.
Arsenal had already agreed a deal with Besiktas, with the transfer hinging on the Belgian international’s decision. After positive discussions with the Turkish club, Trossard has now given his approval, clearing the way for the transfer to be finalised. Reuters reports Arsenal have already granted the 31-year-old permission to travel to Istanbul for his medical.
Trossard leaves the Emirates after making 174 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 36 goals and playing a key role in helping Mikel Arteta’s side win the 2025/26 Premier League title. The deal is expected to earn Arsenal around £17 million, providing additional financial flexibility ahead of the remainder of the transfer window.
His departure is set to have a major impact on Arsenal’s transfer plans.
According to TEAMtalk, sporting director Andrea Berta is now expected to step up efforts to sign Morgan Rogers, who remains Arsenal’s top target to strengthen the left side of Arteta’s attack. Aston Villa continue to insist the England international is not for sale and reportedly value him at around £130 million, although Arsenal believe the player’s desire to join could help unlock a deal.
The Gunners are also preparing to intensify their pursuit of Christos Tzolis. The Club Brugge winger has already indicated he is prepared to wait for Arsenal after putting interest from another club on hold, making him another leading candidate to replace Trossard.
Arsenal’s recruitment plans do not stop there.
TEAMtalk reports the club continue to admire Bruno Guimarães and Julián Álvarez, although both players would command enormous transfer fees. Newcastle United reportedly value Guimarães at around £100 million, while Atlético Madrid are understood to want approximately €130 million (£111 million) for Álvarez.
To fund such ambitious business, Arsenal could sanction further departures before the transfer window closes.
Gabriel Martinelli continues to attract interest from Juventus, RB Leipzig and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, although Trossard’s exit eases immediate pressure to sell another attacking player. Reports also suggest squad members such as Ben White and Gabriel Jesus could be available if suitable offers arrive.
For now, Arsenal’s immediate focus is completing Trossard’s departure before moving quickly for attacking reinforcements. With one of the club’s longest-serving forwards now heading for the exit, Berta and Arteta are preparing to accelerate the next phase of what is shaping up to be one of the Premier League champions’ busiest transfer windows in recent years.
