Arsenal set to part ways with Belgian winger

Arsenal have agreed a deal worth up to £17 million to sell Belgian forward Leandro Trossard to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas, bringing an end to the attacker’s successful spell at the Emirates Stadium. 

The agreement consists of an initial £15.3 million fee with a further £1.7 million in performance-related add-ons, and the 31-year-old has been granted permission to travel to Istanbul to complete his medical ahead of signing.

Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2023 in a deal worth £21 million plus add-ons and went on to become a key player under Mikel Arteta. 

During his time with the Gunners, he scored 36 goals and provided 34 assists in 174 appearances, helping Arsenal secure last season’s Premier League title while also featuring in the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Besiktas confirmed the negotiations in an official statement, announcing that talks had commenced with both Arsenal and the Belgium international regarding a permanent transfer. 

Trossard also enjoyed an impressive FIFA World Cup campaign with Belgium, starting all six matches as the Red Devils reached the quarter-finals and scoring twice during the tournament.

Arsenal are already planning for life after Trossard, with Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis emerging as a leading target. 

The Gunners have tracked the Greece international for several months and are expected to step up negotiations, with the Belgian club anticipating an offer worth around £30 million. 

Sporting director Andrea Berta is overseeing the move after extensive scouting of the 24-year-old.

The pursuit of Tzolis will not affect Arsenal’s search for another marquee attacking signing. 

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez remains the club’s preferred long-term target despite interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

While Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is viewed as Arsenal’s first-choice option for a versatile forward role once his World Cup campaign with England concludes. 

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has also been identified as an alternative if negotiations for Rogers prove unsuccessful.