Leandro Trossard’s Arsenal Future Up in the Air

Leandro Trossard has enjoyed a promising, trophy-chasing debut year in north London, but the versatile Belgian still finds himself at an unexpected career crossroads. While the £27 million January signing insists he is “happy” at the Emirates Stadium, several factors could nudge him toward the exit door well before his 2026 contract expires.

Leandro Trossard and the Contract Conundrum

Arsenal secured Leandro Trossard on a three-and-a-half-year deal last winter with the option of an extra twelve months, believing they had stolen a march on rivals who spent big on wingers. On paper, the agreement looks watertight; in reality, modern contracts exist as bargaining chips rather than ironclad commitments. If the Gunners miss out on major silverware for a second successive campaign, the club’s hierarchy could be tempted to move squad pieces around to refresh the wage bill and raise funds for marquee signings. In that scenario, Trossard’s status as a valuable yet sellable asset becomes painfully clear.

Competition for Minutes Intensifies

Mikel Arteta’s attacking depth is both a blessing and a curse for the Belgian. With Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and even rising academy talent Reiss Nelson vying for the same wide or false-nine roles, guaranteed minutes are scarce. Leandro Trossard’s adaptability—he can operate on either flank or as a roaming No. 9—initially made him a coach’s dream. However, the very same versatility can weaken his claim to a single starting spot, cementing the perception that he is a rotation piece rather than a nailed-on starter. Few internationals approaching their peak years relish that label for long.

Arteta’s Tactical Shuffle

Arteta has tweaked his formation throughout the campaign, at times asking Trossard to drift centrally to overload midfield or tuck inside as a pseudo-wing-back when chasing a game. While the coach values intelligence, such tactical fluidity can hamper a player’s rhythm. Sources close to the dressing room suggest the former Brighton star privately craves a defined role, similar to the one he enjoyed on the south coast. Should Arteta fail to offer clearer assurances during post-season talks, Leandro Trossard could decide to look elsewhere for stability.

Premier League and European Interest Mounts

Recruitment departments across Europe have already flagged the Belgian as a cost-effective option. Tottenham Hotspur explored a deal before Arsenal struck in 2023 and remain admirers. Newcastle United’s sporting project, bankrolled by Saudi investment, also needs Champions League-ready forwards. On the continent, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund reportedly monitor his situation, believing his pressing metrics and creativity fit their high-tempo philosophies. A bid in the region of £35-40 million—delivering Arsenal a healthy profit—would test Edu Gaspar’s resolve.

Financial Fair Play Pressures

The Gunners have ambitious plans for the upcoming window, with a new striker, an athletic midfielder and depth at full-back on the wishlist. To stay within profit-and-sustainability guidelines, outgoings are essential. Compared with home-grown stars, Leandro Trossard counts as pure profit on the balance sheet, making him a prime candidate to depart if serious offers arrive. Maintaining a harmonious dressing-room salary structure is another consideration; his next contract demand could push him into the same bracket as established starters, further squeezing Arsenal’s budget.

The Player’s Perspective

Publicly, Trossard insists the Emirates feels like home: “The fans took me in from day one and I love the ambition here,” he told Belgian media during the March international break. Privately, sources claim he is content but ambitious. He wants Champions League starts, not cameos, and seeks the kind of status that elevates his place in Roberto Martínez’s national-team plans for Euro 2024 and beyond. At 29, the forthcoming season could define the prime of his career.

What Arsenal Must Decide

Arteta and sporting director Edu now face a delicate balancing act. Do they keep a reliable, flexible forward who chipped in with goals and assists against elite opposition? Or do they cash in to finance a headline-grabbing striker capable of matching Erling Haaland’s output? The decision may hinge on preseason form and whether academy prospects such as Amario Cozier-Duberry convince the staff they deserve minutes. One thing is certain: Leandro Trossard will not be content to warm the bench during his peak years.

Possible Scenarios This Summer

• Arsenal reject bids and promise Trossard a more defined role
• A top-six Premier League rival offers starters’ minutes and European football
• A Champions League club abroad tables a lucrative four-year deal
• The Gunners trigger the optional extra year to protect resale value, then sell in 2025

Leandro Trossard’s Future Remains Intriguing

Whether he leaves or stays, his situation will headline the early weeks of the transfer window. Supporters appreciate his work-rate, vision and knack for decisive contributions—remember his eight assists in his first 16 Arsenal appearances. Scouts value his durability: the Belgian has missed very few games through injury. That combination means the club hold a strong negotiating hand, yet ambition and squad planning could still part ways.

Opinion: Arsenal should think twice before letting such a technically gifted, system-friendly forward walk. Continuity breeds success, and Trossard’s ability to change a match from multiple positions is a priceless asset in a long, grueling season.