Arsenal agree Leandro Trossard transfer to Besiktas

Arsenal have agreed a deal for Leandro Trossard to join Besiktas. The transfer will end the 31-year-old’s productive period in north London. The Belgian made 174 appearances and scored 36 goals for Arsenal. He played in several attacking roles and helped the club win the Premier League.

His final appearance came in the Champions League final, a fittingly large stage for a player often trusted in important moments. Besiktas gain an experienced attacker who can play from the left and move into central scoring positions. Trossard also understands matches that require patience.

Arsenal are losing a flexible solution

Trossard’s main value was his ability to play several attacking roles. He could start on the left, move closer to the striker or enter as a substitute. When he moved inside, a defender could run forward on the flank. Trossard also added another finisher inside the penalty area.

That flexibility helped over a long season because injuries and rotation rarely leave the same front three available every week. Arsenal could use Trossard without rebuilding the entire attack around him. Replacing that function may require more than one player, even if a younger winger offers greater speed in a single position. Trossard spent three and a half seasons at Arsenal after arriving in January 2023. He scored 36 times in 174 appearances, or about one goal every five games. The appearance total shows how often Arsenal trusted him in different attacking roles. That record includes starts on the wing and appearances from the bench. He did not play every match as the central striker. Besiktas should therefore judge him as a flexible attacker, not only by the goal rate expected from a number nine.

Thirty-six goals show more than reserve value

A player who starts some matches and finishes others can be described too easily as a squad option. Trossard’s 36 goals in 174 appearances show regular production. He found space against deep defences, attacked rebounds and often struck the ball early before the goalkeeper could set. Those actions gave Arsenal a different kind of threat from pure wide pace.

His timing was especially useful when the centre-forward drew both defenders. Trossard did not need many touches to enter the open lane. Besiktas can use that quality if teammates support his movement. He is better when joining an attack than staying near the touchline.

Besiktas gain experience for demanding evenings

Besiktas will expect Trossard to help immediately. He has competed for a Premier League title and played in knockout matches and a Champions League final. That experience can help during a tense home match. He can remain patient when the crowd wants a quick shot.

Experience does not mean slowing the game. It means recognising which moment can support risk. Trossard can combine in tight areas, protect a pass under contact and then accelerate toward goal. Besiktas must give him nearby passing options. He can then help the team beat compact defences without relying only on crosses or long shots.

Trossard gives Besiktas several options on the left

Trossard often moves from the wing into the space between a full-back and a central defender. From there, he can shoot or pull a defender away from a teammate. The Besiktas left-back must know when to move forward. A midfielder must remain ready to cover the open space.

He can also rotate with the striker. A short movement toward midfield may draw a defender and allow the forward to attack the space behind. The action works only when the ball arrives at the right speed. If teammates move it too slowly, defenders can exchange their markers. Trossard then becomes easier to follow.

Arsenal are changing their attack

Arsenal’s decision to sell a proven 31-year-old suggests that they want to change the attack. The club may want a younger and faster winger or space for another signing. The decision can support the future squad, but Arsenal will lose experience and finishing ability now.

Arsenal must also find another player who can help after coming off the bench. Some attackers need several starts before they play well. Trossard could enter during a match and quickly find open space. His replacement must also make fast decisions, score goals and create chances for teammates.

Trossard must adjust to the Turkish league

Trossard has many years of experience in English football. The Turkish league will bring different physical challenges, refereeing and away crowds. He must learn which defenders move forward early and which teams defend close to their goal. His technique will remain useful, but he may need to change the timing of his runs.

The calendar will also include domestic and European demands. At 31, careful management can keep his sharpness for decisive matches. Besiktas do not need him to cover every possible role in every game. They need to place him where his first touch, movement and finishing have the greatest effect.

Trossard can have a larger role at Besiktas

At Arsenal, Trossard worked inside a squad with many attacking options and constant competition for starts. Besiktas can offer a more central responsibility. He may receive a role in planned free kicks and corners. He can also guide younger forwards and help organise attacks from the left.

A larger role will also bring higher expectations. Supporters will want goals and assists quickly from an experienced player. Trossard should not force a shot in every early attack. Reliable passing combinations and good positions will create regular chances.

The Arsenal record stands on its own

Trossard leaves with a Premier League winner’s medal, a Champions League final appearance and a clear personal contribution. Trossard was not always the main name in Arsenal’s attack. However, his 174 appearances show how often the coaches trusted him.

The agreed deal now gives both clubs a defined next step. Arsenal can continue reshaping the forward line, while Besiktas receive a versatile attacker with recent elite-level experience. The transfer will be judged later by goals and trophies, but its football logic is already easy to see on both sides.