Leandro Trossard’s Arsenal chapter is officially closed. And Mikel Arteta isn’t wasting any time writing the next one.
As usual Fabrizio Romano dropped his famous “here we go” confirmation on Monday, revealing that Trossard has approved a move to Besiktas. The Belgian will fly to Istanbul on Tuesday for a medical and contract signing. Arsenal will pocket €18m upfront, with a potential €2m in add-ons.
It’s the end of a quietly brilliant era. But what comes next could define Arsenal’s summer.
A Fond Farewell to a Bargain Buy
Remember how Trossard arrived? Chelsea hijacked Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk in January 2023, and the Gunners pivoted to the Brighton winger for just £23m. That deal looked like a steal almost immediately.
In 174 appearances, Trossard contributed 36 goals and 34 assists. He barely missed a game. He never caused problems on and off the pitch. And he scored a late winner against West Ham that proved crucial to Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League title.
Romano praised him on his YouTube channel, calling him “super professional” throughout his time at the club.
So why sell now?
Simple. Trossard turns 32 next season. Also he had just 12 months only left on his contract. Arsenal faced a choice: sell now for decent money or lose him for nothing next summer.
At €20m total, it’s smart business. Besiktas get a proven Premier League winner. Arsenal get funds to reinvest. Both sides walk away satisfied.
Two Wingers In: Tzolis and Rogers on the Radar
Here’s where things get exciting. Trossard’s exit isn’t just about trimming the squad. It’s the starting gun for a complete overhaul of Arsenal’s wing options.
According to Romano, the Gunners are targeting two forwards:
- Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, valued at around £35m
- Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, who could cost upwards of £130m
These aren’t like-for-like replacements. They serve completely different purposes.
Tzolis, 24, would arrive as a quality depth option. He was the Jupiler Pro League Player of the Season last year, racking up 22 goals and 29 assists in 52 appearances. His camp has reportedly told interested clubs they’re “waiting for Arsenal.” A deal around €41m is close to being agreed, per The Sun.
There’s a caveat, though. Tzolis flopped at Norwich in 2021-22. So, can he handle the Premier League this time around? Arsenal’s analytics team seems convinced he can.
Rogers on the other hand is the marquee target. The 23-year-old England international had 10 goals and six assists in the Premier League last season. He was also named Europa League Player of the Season after winning it with Villa.
For this player, Arsenal have reportedly made significant progress on personal terms, with sources suggesting a five-year contract agreement is close.
However, there is sticking point, Aston Villa want £130m. That would make Rogers the most expensive English player ever and will Gunner afford it?
The thing is Villa’s financial situation could work in Arsenal’s favour. UEFA financial regulations have put pressure on the club, and a record sale would ease those concerns.
Still, don’t expect this to be quick. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs told the Latte Firm podcast that engagement could start around £80m, but Villa won’t budge easily.
What Does This Mean for Arsenal’s Title Defence?
Arteta won the Premier League and reached the Champions League and Carabao Cup final last season. But standing still isn’t an option in modern football.
Last season, the left wing was a weak spot for the gunners. Neither Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli produced the output Arsenal needed consistently. Bringing in Rogers and Tzolis would give Arteta genuine options to rotate without dropping quality.
It’s an ambitious plan. Two wingers, potentially costing a combined £165m, alongside existing signings Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier. And Arsenal are still chasing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle for midfield reinforcement.
The Trossard deal is done. The Tzolis move looks close. Rogers and Bruno remains the big question mark.
One thing’s clear: Arsenal aren’t content with one title. They want to build a dynasty.
