Belgium international Leandro Trossard has completed a permanent move from Arsenal to Turkish club Besiktas, signing a three-year contract after the two clubs agreed a transfer worth €18 million (£15.3 million).
The agreement will see Besiktas pay the transfer fee in six equal instalments over the next three years. The contract also contains an option to extend Trossard’s stay by an additional season. Fans looking for the latest football transfer news and player updates can also follow developments at Football Score Today.
Trossard Begins a New Chapter in Turkey
The 31-year-old winger travelled to Istanbul earlier this week after Arsenal granted permission for him to complete a medical examination once the clubs had finalized the transfer terms.
Although Trossard still had two years remaining on his Arsenal contract, the Premier League champions accepted Besiktas’ offer, bringing an end to his successful spell in North London.
The Belgian joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 in a deal worth £21 million, with additional performance-related bonuses included.
During his time with the Gunners, he made 174 appearances, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists. His contributions played an important role in helping Mikel Arteta’s side lift last season’s Premier League title.
Trossard was also a regular starter during the campaign, featuring in 21 league matches from the first whistle and starting Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final, where they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain.
Strong World Cup Campaign
The experienced forward also impressed on international duty, starting all six of Belgium’s matches at this summer’s World Cup.
He found the net twice as Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals before their tournament came to an end with a defeat against Spain.
Arsenal Step Up Search for Replacements
Following Trossard’s departure, Arsenal are expected to move quickly in the transfer market to strengthen their attacking options.
One of the club’s leading targets is Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge. Arsenal have monitored the Greece international for several months, and reports suggest the Belgian club is preparing for an official bid. The 24-year-old is believed to be valued at around £30 million (€35 million).
The pursuit of Tzolis is expected to be separate from Arsenal’s interest in several higher-profile attacking players.
Among those admired by the club is Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, who remains a long-term target despite reported interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Another player on Arsenal’s shortlist is Morgan Rogers, with the Gunners expected to increase their efforts to sign the Aston Villa forward once his international commitments with England have concluded. If negotiations prove unsuccessful, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is considered a strong alternative, although Aston Villa are reportedly demanding around £130 million for Rogers.
Young Talent Also Being Monitored
Arsenal are continuing to invest in future prospects as well.
Recruitment specialist Maurizio Micheli recently watched Georgia Under-21 attacker Andria Bartishvili in Champions League qualifying action for Iberia 1999, suggesting the club are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen their squad with emerging young talent.
Conclusion
Leandro Trossard leaves Arsenal after making a significant contribution during one of the club’s most successful recent seasons. His experience, creativity, and versatility are expected to strengthen Besiktas as they prepare for domestic and European competition.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s recruitment team is already working to reinforce the squad, with several established stars and promising young talents under consideration as Mikel Arteta aims to keep the Gunners competing at the highest level in the season ahead.
