Arsenal’s left-flank gamble: Trossard’s exit clears the path

Arsenal have agreed a €20m deal with Beşiktaş for the sale of Leandro Trossard, ending weeks of uncertainty over the winger’s future. The 31-year-old leaves north London with eight goals and 11 assists from last season, a tally that underscored his value to Mikel Arteta’s squad. Trossard’s departure resolves Arsenal’s left-flank dilemma, where Gabriel Martinelli’s future also remains unsettled ahead of the transfer deadline.

The move crystallises Arsenal’s summer reshuffle, with Trossard now set to join Beşiktaş for an initial €18m plus €2m in add-ons. His exit follows Arsenal’s failed pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk in winter 2022-23, when Chelsea hijacked their deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for £88m. Trossard arrived at Arsenal in 2023 after Brighton demanded around £24m to £27m for a player with four seasons of Premier League experience.

Trossard’s consistency since joining has been Arsenal’s only reliable source on the left, yet his sale suggests Arteta is prioritising a different profile. The club’s left flank has been a recurring weak spot, and Trossard’s exit leaves a clear gap to fill before the window closes. Martinelli’s future remains a parallel concern, with the Brazilian also linked with moves away.

Beşiktaş’s agreement with Arsenal caps a summer of activity for the Turkish club, who have moved decisively to address their attacking options. The €20m fee reflects Trossard’s Premier League pedigree, even as his doping suspension of Mudryk casts a shadow over the comparison. Trossard’s move to Istanbul is understood to hinge on his acceptance of Beşiktaş’s terms, with no confirmation yet on his readiness to finalise the deal.