Arsenal’s Belgian winger, Leandro Trossard, has recently caught the eye of Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. Since joining the Gunners from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023, Trossard has showcased remarkable form, participating in 71 games and contributing to 31 goals, a mix of goals and assists. His consistency and versatility have made him a valuable player in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Now, reports from *football.london* reveal that Al Ittihad, a prominent club in the Saudi Pro League, has shown serious interest in the 29-year-old. They have reportedly placed a bid of €35 million (£29.4 million) for the winger, aiming to finalize the deal before their transfer window closes on Monday, September 2.
Despite the financial allure of the offer, Arsenal’s management appears hesitant about letting Trossard go. Mikel Arteta reportedly sees Trossard as a crucial part of his tactical plans for the current season. Al Ittihad, however, remains eager to secure a new winger and may yet return with a higher bid before the window closes, leaving Arsenal with a potential decision about the player’s future. Although Trossard is nearing 30—he turns that age in December—selling him now could present a financially sound move. However, it’s a complex choice when considering Arsenal’s ambitions and Trossard’s contributions.
In the view of Kaya Kaynak, Arsenal’s Chief Correspondent, allowing Trossard to leave would be a mistake. He argues that Trossard is too integral to Arsenal’s current goals to be sold, even with a tempting offer on the table. According to Kaynak, Arsenal’s active pursuits of top-level players like Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino indicate their ambition to compete seriously for titles. Trossard is a player who could significantly contribute to that objective. His skill set and experience make him particularly valuable for Arsenal’s title challenge, and selling him would undermine Arteta’s plans for a strong season.
Beyond his contributions in the starting lineup, Trossard has proven his worth as a game-changer off the bench. His impact as a substitute has been crucial on numerous occasions, and this versatility is an asset that has proven valuable in many title-winning teams. In tight games where Arsenal need a fresh boost, Trossard provides a unique skill set that can break down defenses and create chances, making him a key tactical weapon in Arteta’s arsenal.
Additionally, Trossard’s adaptability on the pitch makes him invaluable. Capable of playing in various positions, he brings tactical flexibility to the squad, something Arteta values highly. His fitness and reliability have also been standout qualities, meaning he’s regularly available when called upon—an increasingly rare trait in modern football, where injuries and fitness issues often disrupt consistency. For these reasons, Kaynak strongly believes that Arsenal would be better served by keeping Trossard and maximizing his contribution toward a successful campaign, rather than cashing in on the current interest from Al Ittihad.
