Belgium international Leandro Trossard has officially left Arsenal to join Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas. The 31-year-old forward signed a three-year contract with an additional one-year option, completing a move worth €18 million (£15.3 million).
The Deal
Besiktas agreed to pay the transfer fee in six equal instalments spread over three years, a structure that works well for both clubs. Trossard was given permission to travel to Istanbul on Tuesday to undergo his medical after the two sides finalised the agreement.
The Belgian had one year remaining on his Arsenal contract, which was set to expire in 2027. With the clock ticking on his deal, Arsenal opted to cash in rather than risk losing him for free.
Trossard’s Arsenal Legacy
Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 for a fee of £21 million plus add-ons. Over the course of 174 appearances for the Gunners, he proved to be one of Mikel Arteta’s most reliable attacking options.
His numbers at the Emirates speak for themselves:
- 36 goals across all competitions
- 34 assists for teammates
- 174 total appearances in an Arsenal shirt
Last season, Trossard played a crucial role as Arsenal finally won the Premier League title. He started 21 times in the league and was also in the starting lineup for the Champions League final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
World Cup Performance
Before completing his move, Trossard represented Belgium at the 2026 World Cup in the United States and Canada. He started all six of Belgium’s matches at the tournament, scoring twice as the Red Devils reached the quarter-finals before falling to eventual finalists Spain.
His consistent performances on the world stage only increased his value, but with Arsenal looking to reshape their attack, the timing was right for all parties.
What Besiktas Are Getting
Besiktas are signing a versatile forward who can play across the front line. Trossard’s ability to score goals, create chances, and press from the front makes him an ideal addition for a club looking to compete both domestically and in Europe.
His experience in the Premier League and at international level brings a level of quality that few players in the Super Lig can match. At 31, Trossard still has several years of top-level football ahead of him.
Arsenal’s Next Moves
With Trossard’s departure confirmed, Arsenal are expected to accelerate their pursuit of Club Brugge attacker Christos Tzolis. The 24-year-old Greece international has been on Arsenal’s radar since June, and the Gunners are reportedly preparing an offer in the region of £30 million.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on the deal, with his assistant Maurizio Micheli having watched Tzolis play for Greece against Sweden recently.
The club also maintain a long-term interest in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who remains their priority target, though competition from Barcelona and Real Madrid complicates that pursuit. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is another option, with PSG winger Bradley Barcola seen as a backup plan.
What to Watch
Trossard’s move to Besiktas marks the end of a successful chapter at Arsenal. Fans will remember his contributions to the title-winning campaign fondly. For Besiktas, landing a player of his calibre is a major statement of intent as they prepare for the new season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, face a busy end to the transfer window as they look to replace Trossard’s output. The pursuit of Tzolis and their other targets will define whether this deal ultimately strengthens or weakens Arteta’s squad heading into next season.
