Arsenal set £17.3m price for Leandro Trossard as Aston Villa emerge as preferred destination

Arsenal are ready to cash in on 31‑year‑old Belgian forward Leandro Trossard, with Turkish side Besiktas placing a £17.3 million valuation on him, while Aston Villa have become the preferred English destination O’Rourke, as the player seeks to stay in the Premier League rather than move to Istanbul. The 31‑year‑old Belgium international is on the verge of entering the final year of his contract at the Emirates, prompting the newly crowned Premier League champions to weigh his market value carefully. Manager Mikel Arteta views this window as his absolute final opportunity to secure a respectable fee for the versatile attacker. Arsenal’s hierarchy will not impede a departure, and Turkish heavyweights Besiktas have already opened direct lines of communication regarding the player. Besiktas are discussing an initial valuation of £17.3 million for Trossard. If Aston Villa solidify their initial inquiries with a concrete proposal, Birmingham becomes the definitive priority destination for the Belgian. Trossard has expressed a strong preference for staying in the English top flight, stating that Istanbul holds little appeal for him at present. Unai Emery must decide whether Trossard would genuinely elevate his starting XI or merely block the progression of younger profiles, as left‑wing depth remains a clear issue for Villa. Morgan Rogers shouldered a heavy creative burden during the club’s recent top‑four finish, and Trossard’s eight goals and ten assists last season would offer immediate cover. The financial reality of a premium fee and substantial weekly wages for a player who turns 32 this year clashes with Villa’s long‑term methodology that prioritises youth and resale value. Passing on the deal would preserve vital financial resources for other urgent areas, notably the goalkeeper position amid intense speculation linking Emiliano Martinez. A photograph by Carl Recine captured Trossard representing Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 between Paris Saint‑Germain and Arsenal FC at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026. The image underscores the player’s recent experience on football’s biggest stage as the transfer saga unfolds.