Arsenal have agreed a deal to sell Belgian forward Leandro Trossard to Turkish giants Besiktas, bringing an end to the attacker’s successful spell in North London as Mikel Arteta prepares for another reshuffle of his frontline ahead of the new season.
The fee for Trossard transfer has been agreed at approximately £17 million (€20 million), with the package consisting of an initial £15.3 million (€18 million) and a further £1.7 million (€2 million) in performance-related add-ons. The agreement allows the Belgium international to travel to Istanbul for a medical before completing his permanent switch to the Turkish Super Lig.
Fee for Trossard Transfer Agreed Between Arsenal and Besiktas
The fee for Trossard transfer represents Arsenal’s decision to cash in on one of their most reliable attacking options despite the Belgian still having two years remaining on his contract, which was due to expire in 2027.
Besiktas confirmed the negotiations in an official statement, saying discussions had begun with both Arsenal and the player regarding a permanent transfer.
Trossard arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 for an initial fee of around £21 million, and although he was rarely considered an automatic starter throughout his time under Arteta, he consistently delivered important goals and assists whenever called upon.
His versatility enabled him to play across the front three as well as in attacking midfield, making him one of Arsenal’s most dependable squad players during a period in which the club established itself among Europe’s elite.
The agreed fee for Trossard transfer also allows Arsenal to recover a significant portion of the amount they paid for the Belgian two and a half years ago while creating room for further investment in younger attacking talent.
Trossard Leaves Arsenal After an Impressive Spell
Trossard departs Arsenal having made 174 appearances, scoring 36 goals and contributing 34 assists across all competitions, while playing a key role in the club’s domestic and European campaigns.
Last season proved particularly significant for the Belgian, as he helped Arsenal secure the Premier League title and featured prominently throughout their run to the UEFA Champions League final. He started against Paris Saint-Germain in the final and was trusted by Arteta in 21 Premier League starts, underlining his importance despite fierce competition for places.
Internationally, Trossard also enjoyed another productive campaign with Belgium, featuring in all six of the country’s matches at this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup and scoring twice as the Red Devils reached the quarter-finals.
Although Arsenal’s attacking options have expanded considerably in recent seasons, the fee for Trossard transfer signals the club’s willingness to evolve its squad with an eye on both the present and the future.
Arsenal Turn Attention to Christos Tzolis
With Trossard on the verge of leaving, Arsenal are expected to accelerate their pursuit of Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis, who has emerged as one of the club’s leading targets to reinforce the attack.
BBC Sport previously reported Arsenal’s interest in the Greece international, and negotiations are now expected to intensify following progress on the fee for Trossard transfer.
Club Brugge are reportedly expecting an official offer from Arsenal, with the Belgian side valuing the 24-year-old at approximately £30 million (€35 million).
Sporting director Andrea Berta has been leading Arsenal’s recruitment drive, while assistant sporting director Maurizio Micheli recently watched Tzolis in action during Greece’s international fixture against Sweden, further strengthening the club’s interest.
Tzolis has established himself as one of the most exciting attacking players in Belgian football, scoring 43 goals in 108 appearances for Club Brugge, and Arsenal believe his age, versatility and attacking output make him an attractive long-term investment.
More High Profile Targets Remain on Arsenal’s Radar
The pursuit of Tzolis does not affect Arsenal’s ambition to strengthen further in attack, as the club continues to monitor several elite forwards ahead of the transfer deadline.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez remains Arsenal’s priority long-term target, although completing a deal this summer could prove difficult given reported interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Gunners are also keen admirers of Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, who is viewed internally as the ideal versatile attacker capable of operating across multiple positions. Arsenal are expected to step up their efforts once Rogers concludes his World Cup campaign with England, although Aston Villa’s reported valuation of around £130 million remains a significant obstacle.
Should negotiations fail, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has been identified as an alternative option capable of adding pace, creativity and directness to Arteta’s attack.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s extensive scouting operation continues to identify emerging talent across Europe. Recruitment specialist Maurizio Micheli recently travelled to observe Andria Bartishvili, the highly rated Georgia Under-21 international who featured for Iberia 1999 in their UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Flora.
The teenager is regarded as another promising player who could fit Arsenal’s long-term recruitment strategy.
What the Fee for Trossard Transfer Means for Arsenal
The agreed fee for Trossard transfer reflects Arsenal’s continued commitment to refreshing their squad without compromising financial sustainability. While Trossard leaves Arsenal, having contributed significantly to one of the club’s most successful recent periods, the transfer provides valuable funds that can be reinvested into younger players capable of contributing over a longer period.
Arteta has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to evolve his squad each transfer window, and Arsenal’s recruitment plans suggest the club intends to maintain its challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe.
Although replacing Trossard’s experience and versatility will not be straightforward, Arsenal appear confident that the next phase of their attacking rebuild is already underway, with Christos Tzolis leading a growing list of targets as the North London club prepares for another ambitious campaign.
