Arsenal have received a £17m transfer offer for Premier League title winner Leandro Trossard from Saudi Arabian club Al-Diraiyah, according to Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg. The 31-year-old winger has been a key player for Mikel Arteta since his £27m move from Brighton in 2023, making 174 appearances for the Gunners.
Trossard's impact and potential departure
Trossard produced his best return in the 2023-24 season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, and has continued to contribute over the past two years. His late goal against West Ham in the final week of last season helped Arsenal clinch their first Premier League title since 2004. Despite being a trusted lieutenant, Arteta is reportedly open to offers for both Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as the club looks to improve in wide areas.
Al-Diraiyah, who secured promotion to the Saudi Pro League last season, are willing to offer Trossard a contract worth almost £9m-a-year if he agrees to move. Sporting director Dougie Freedman, formerly of Crystal Palace, has identified Trossard as a top target. Besiktas also remain interested after considering a move last summer.
Arteta's replacement targets
Arsenal are interested in signing a new left-sided winger to replace Trossard and Martinelli, with Eli Junior Kroupi and Bradley Barcola among the possible targets. The club's longest-serving player, Martinelli, has also been linked with an exit after a frustrating few years.
Alan Smith's warning
Arsenal legend Alan Smith has warned his former club against selling Trossard, telling Metro he should be retained after a 'great season'. 'The only one from that list I wouldn't want to see go is Leandro Trossard,' Smith said on behalf of BestBettingSites. 'He can score important goals and he's a very clever player, versatile as well. He's mainly played on the left, but he can come inside. He's a big fan favourite as well.'
Smith also commented on other potential departures: 'Looking at Gabriel Martinelli, it's been a frustrating few years for him. Ben White, yeah, again, I'm sure there's defenders coming to the club so he might feel like it's time to go. I can see Gabriel Jesus going as well, certainly if Arsenal buy another striker which it looks like they're trying to do.'
Interest from Premier League clubs
While Trossard has attracted interest from Al-Diraiyah and Besiktas, he is also believed to be a possible target for Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Speaking at the end of last season, Trossard said he expected to stay at Arsenal and see out the final year of his contract at the Emirates.
'At the moment, yes,' Trossard said when asked if he would remain at Arsenal beyond the World Cup. 'I still have one year on my contract, and hopefully, first we win the Champions League. Then I think next season can be another very nice season.'
Trossard has started both of Belgium's World Cup group games to date, a 1-1 draw with Egypt and a goalless draw with Iran. Those results leave Belgium's World Cup fate hanging by a thread ahead of their final Group G clash against New Zealand on Saturday.
