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Leandro Trossard’s impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has culminated in a surprise move away from Arsenal.
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Arsenal have reportedly accepted a transfer package worth up to €20 million, signalling Mikel Arteta’s determination to reshape his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
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The Belgian forward leaves North London after making 174 appearances, scoring 36 goals, and providing 34 assists while helping the Gunners reclaim the Premier League title.
July 14, (THEWILL) — Just weeks ago, Leandro Trossard was one of Belgium’s brightest performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reminding the football world why he remains one of Europe’s most reliable attacking players.
Now, the experienced forward is on the verge of an entirely different milestone.
Instead of preparing for another season at the Emirates Stadium, Trossard is set to begin a new chapter in Turkey after Arsenal reportedly reached an agreement with Beşiktaş for his transfer, bringing an end to a memorable three-and-a-half-year spell in North London.
The move comes as a surprise to many Arsenal supporters, especially after the Belgian’s influential World Cup displays reignited discussions about his importance to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have accepted an offer worth €18 million, with a further €2 million in performance-related add-ons.
Trossard is expected to travel to Istanbul in the coming days to complete his medical before signing for the Turkish giants.
For Arsenal, the transfer represents another significant piece of Arteta’s long-term squad evolution.
Although the Gunners have been linked with high-profile names such as Bruno Guimarães, Morgan Rogers, and Julián Álvarez throughout the summer, the club has quietly focused on reshaping the squad by moving on experienced players before making further additions.
Trossard’s Exit Represents Biggest Departure of the Window So Far
Signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 for an initial fee of around £21 million, the Belgian quickly established himself as one of Arsenal’s most dependable performers.
His versatility proved invaluable, allowing Arteta to deploy him on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, or as a false nine whenever injuries or tactical adjustments demanded flexibility.
While he was rarely guaranteed a place in the starting XI, Trossard consistently delivered when called upon.
Across 174 appearances, he scored 36 goals and registered 34 assists, playing a vital role as Arsenal re-established themselves among England’s elite and eventually ended their long wait for another Premier League title.
His reputation received another boost during the FIFA World Cup, where he was one of Belgium’s standout performers despite the Red Devils’ quarter-final exit.
Comfortable in possession, intelligent with his movement, and decisive in key moments, Trossard reminded clubs across Europe of the quality that had sometimes gone underappreciated in the Premier League.
That tournament appears to have reignited interest in his services, with Beşiktaş moving decisively to secure one of the summer’s most experienced attacking additions.
Turkish Giants Get Statement of Ambition
The Istanbul club are aiming to challenge for the Süper Lig title and make a deeper impact in European competition, and Trossard’s experience at both club and international level makes him an ideal addition to their project.
For Arsenal, however, the move signals something different.
It reflects the club’s determination to lower the average age of the squad and continue refreshing an attack that Arteta believes must evolve if the Gunners are to defend their Premier League crown and compete for the UEFA Champions League.
Defender Piero Hincapié, whose loan move from Bayer Leverkusen has been made permanent, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier have already arrived, while further attacking reinforcements are expected before the transfer window closes.
Trossard may not have always dominated the headlines during his time in North London, but his consistency made him one of Arsenal’s most trusted squad players.
Ironically, just when his World Cup performances reminded everyone of his enduring quality, they also appear to have paved the way for his departure.
For Arsenal supporters, it is an unexpected ending to the story of a player who repeatedly delivered in the biggest moments.
For Trossard, it is the beginning of a fresh challenge in Istanbul and perhaps the final major chapter of an accomplished European career.
