Arsenal’s £17m Trossard Question Has Become a World Cup Waiting Game

For Arsenal supporters in Britain, this is not just another summer rumour: it touches a title-winning squad, a proven Premier League forward and a transfer window shaped by timing. Reports say Besiktas have moved for Leandro Trossard with an offer worth around €20million, while the Belgian is refusing to make a decision until his World Cup work is done. That creates a familiar tension for Arsenal — sell a 31-year-old entering the final year of his contract, or keep a player who has just reminded everyone of his value.

Setting the Scene

Trossard’s situation has sharpened because his Arsenal contract is moving into its final year. Several reports say the club would view a fee around €20million, or roughly £17.2million, as financially acceptable if the player signals he wants the move.

Besiktas’ interest is not new. The Turkish club tried to sign him last year, and reports say they have now returned with Trossard high on their summer list. The picture is more crowded than a straight Arsenal-Besiktas negotiation, however, with Al-Diraiyah in Saudi Arabia also interested and Roma, Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Bournemouth all mentioned across the reporting.

The reason this matters to Arsenal fans is simple: Trossard is not a fringe name. He helped Arsenal end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title, and last season he produced eight goals and 11 assists in all competitions while sharing left-wing duties with Gabriel Martinelli.

Here's What Happened

Metro reported that Arsenal have accepted a €20million offer from Besiktas for Trossard, citing reports in Turkey. The same report said Besiktas football director Önder Özen has held talks with the winger’s agent and wants a final decision quickly because of rival interest.

The Mirror framed the move slightly differently, saying Besiktas have made a verbal offer worth up to €20million and that Arsenal would consider that figure acceptable if Trossard wants the transfer. That distinction matters: the club-side numbers may be workable, but the player’s agreement is still the key step.

World Cup form has changed the mood around the deal. Trossard scored twice and added an assist as Belgium beat New Zealand 5-1 to top their group, with their Round of 32 tie against Senegal set for Wednesday in Seattle. His camp has made clear he does not want transfer distractions during the tournament.

Arsenal’s wider recruitment plans explain why the conversation is happening at all. Reports say the club are looking at strengthening on the wing, with Bradley Barcola, Christos Tzolis and other attacking targets mentioned, while Martinelli and Trossard have both been named as players who could be sold.

Reactions & Responses

Trossard has not shut down the possibility of staying, but he has also avoided making a firm commitment while Belgium are still playing. Asked about his future before the tournament, he kept his answer narrow and direct.

At the moment I am still at Arsenal, so there is not much to say about that.

Pressed on whether he could remain with the Premier League champions, he added that he was still an Arsenal player and would see what happens. That response leaves room for both outcomes: a final season in north London, or a move if Arsenal and the player decide the timing is right.

For Besiktas, the pressure is practical. Their season begins soon with a Champions League qualifying tie against Midtjylland, and reports say they want Trossard available early enough for a break, pre-season and those competitive fixtures.

The Bigger Picture

The financial logic is easy to see. A player entering the final year of his deal can lose resale value quickly, and Arsenal’s reported willingness to consider a €20million fee reflects that reality. But the football logic cuts the other way: Trossard has been useful precisely because he can start, come off the bench, score important goals and cover roles across the attack.

His World Cup performances add another layer. Belgium had struggled for goals against Egypt and Iran before Trossard’s brace against New Zealand helped them move into the knockout stage as group winners. Selling him after such a reminder of his quality may look neat on a spreadsheet but harder on the pitch.

For British readers, the Premier League effect is direct. If Trossard leaves, Arsenal’s depth changes before a title defence and a demanding European schedule. If he stays, the club may have to manage a player approaching the end of his contract while also trying to reshape the left side of the attack.

The Road Ahead

The next confirmed sporting step is Belgium’s Round of 32 match against Senegal in Seattle on Wednesday. Trossard’s decision is expected only after Belgium’s World Cup campaign ends, meaning Besiktas may have to wait despite their urgency.

Arsenal’s summer plan now depends on three connected questions: whether Trossard wants the move, whether Besiktas can hold their offer together, and whether Arsenal’s search for new attacking options moves fast enough to make a sale feel safe.