Leandro Trossard left Arsenal for Beşiktaş in July 2026 after three and a half seasons in north London. The Belgian forward’s departure was not linked to a dispute with manager Mikel Arteta. Instead, the transfer appears to have been a practical decision that benefited the player and both clubs.
Why Did Trossard Leave Arsenal?
Trossard left Arsenal because he was entering the final year of his contract, while Beşiktaş offered him a lucrative long-term deal. Arsenal also wanted to refresh the left side of their attack with a younger option.
At 31, Trossard retained considerable transfer value. Selling him allowed Arsenal to recover approximately £17 million rather than risk losing him for a significantly smaller fee—or potentially nothing—once his contract expired.
Trossard’s Contract Situation
One of the most important factors behind Trossard’s Arsenal exit was his contract.
The forward reportedly had only one year remaining on his agreement at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal therefore faced a familiar choice: offer an established player in his thirties another long-term contract or sell him while his market value remained strong.
The club chose the latter option.
For Trossard, the move provided greater security. Beşiktaş reportedly offered him a three-year contract with an option for an additional season, potentially keeping him in Istanbul until 2030.
How Much Did Beşiktaş Pay for Trossard?
The transfer was reportedly worth around £17 million, consisting of an initial fee of approximately £15.3 million plus potential add-ons.
Although Arsenal paid more to sign Trossard from Brighton in January 2023, recovering such a substantial amount for a 31-year-old with one year left on his contract represented sensible business.
Arsenal Wanted to Refresh the Left Wing
Trossard remained a productive and valuable member of Arsenal’s squad, but his sale was also connected to the club’s plans for the future.
Arsenal wanted to add more pace, youth and long-term potential on the left wing. His departure created room in the squad—and in the transfer budget—for a younger attacking player. Arsenal subsequently signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge as a replacement.
The decision was therefore less about Trossard’s performances and more about squad planning. Arsenal chose to reinvest in a younger player who could contribute over a longer period.
Was There a Falling-Out With Mikel Arteta?
There is no credible indication that Trossard left because of a disagreement with Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s farewell message thanked the Belgian for his contribution, and the transfer was widely presented as amicable. Trossard had remained an important player during his final season and left with his reputation at the club intact.
His departure was fundamentally a football and financial decision rather than the result of a breakdown in relationships.
Why Did Trossard Choose Beşiktaş?
Beşiktaş offered Trossard several attractive benefits:
- A long-term contract
- A reportedly significant salary
- The opportunity to become a leading player
- Regular first-team football
- The chance to compete for major honours in Turkey
For a player entering the later years of his career, the combination of financial security and an important sporting role made the move appealing.
Trossard’s Arsenal Career
Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 and quickly became one of Arteta’s most dependable attacking options.
His ability to operate on either wing, as an attacking midfielder or through the centre made him particularly valuable. He developed a reputation for scoring important goals and making decisive contributions in high-pressure matches.
Trossard finished his Arsenal career with 36 goals and 34 assists across 174 appearances in all competitions. His versatility, technical ability and composure earned him considerable affection among Arsenal supporters.
Was Selling Trossard the Right Decision?
From an emotional perspective, many supporters were disappointed to see such a reliable player leave. Trossard continued to produce goals and assists and had demonstrated that he could influence important matches.
From Arsenal’s perspective, however, the logic was clear. The club received a respectable fee for a 31-year-old entering the last year of his contract and used the opportunity to reduce the age of its attacking group.
Whether it proves to be the correct decision will depend largely on