Arsenal have agreed to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17 million, with the Belgian forward set to sign a three-year contract after undergoing a medical. The 31-year-old leaves after four years at the Emirates, during which he scored 36 goals and provided 34 assists in 174 appearances under Mikel Arteta. Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in 2023 for £21 million and helped the club win the Premier League last season, scoring six goals in the campaign, as well as the Community Shield three years ago.
Keown praises Trossard's service but eyes replacement
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown described Trossard as a 'fantastic servant' and said the club must have someone 'very special' lined up to replace him on the left wing. Speaking on talkSPORT, Keown said: 'I think he's been a fantastic servant for Arsenal, come in and done an amazing job.' He noted that Arsenal rarely receive high fees for departing players and that the decision to sell Trossard suggests the club has identified a target. Keown added: 'They must have somebody very special lined up to come into this role on the left wing for Arsenal.'
Arsenal linked with Morgan Rogers, Barcola, and Tzolis
Among the names linked with Arsenal are Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis. However, Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is believed to be the top target. Villa have placed a £100 million price tag on the 22-year-old, who can play on the wing or in midfield. Rogers is reportedly 'keen' on a move to the Emirates. Keown expressed doubts about the high fee, questioning whether it represents the right direction for Arsenal. 'I'm not sure that's the direction that Arsenal will go in,' he said.
Keown suggests alternative spending priorities
Keown also pointed to the emergence of young talent Max Dowman, who plays as a No.10, suggesting that blocking his pathway could be a concern. He speculated that the funds might instead be used to sign a centre-forward. 'Maybe the money is going to be spent on another centre-forward, let's see. It would be phenomenal if they could go for another centre-forward,' Keown added.
Arsenal's summer business so far
Arsenal's only new signing so far is goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who joined on a free transfer from Leeds United last week after his contract expired. The 26-year-old is expected to serve as backup to David Raya, with Kepa Arrizabalaga rumoured to be leaving the club. Additionally, Arsenal activated a £35 million clause to sign defender Piero Hincapie permanently from Bayer Leverkusen last month.
