Arsenal’s talented winger Leandro Trossard has recently caught the attention of the Saudi Pro League, with Al Ittihad showing a particular interest in bringing the Belgian to their ranks.
Since moving to Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023, Trossard, now 29, has been an influential figure for the Gunners.
His consistent performances have contributed significantly, tallying 31 goal involvements in just 71 appearances for the club.
As reported by *football.london*, Al Ittihad has even placed a substantial €35 million (£29.4 million) offer on the table to sign Trossard before the Saudi transfer window closes on Monday, September 2.
However, Arsenal are not inclined to entertain the idea of letting him go, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly viewing Trossard as a key component of his strategy for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Al Ittihad, meanwhile, is eager to secure a strong winger before the window closes, leaving some to speculate whether they will return with a higher bid to test Arsenal’s resolve.
Considering that Trossard will turn 30 in December, it raises the question of whether Arsenal might find a large fee appealing for a player approaching the latter part of his career.
Kaya Kaynak, the Chief Arsenal Correspondent, has weighed in on the matter, asserting that Arsenal should definitely hold on to Trossard.
While the club may have considered the idea of a transfer given his age and the substantial fee, Arsenal’s recent moves in the market, such as their interest in high-caliber players like Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino, indicate their ambition to build a squad capable of competing for titles now.
For Kaynak, Trossard’s role within this title-contending setup is irreplaceable.
One of Trossard’s unique strengths is his effectiveness both as a starter and as an impact substitute, a valuable trait that has often defined championship-winning teams.
Trossard possesses the ability to come off the bench and completely change the course of a game—a crucial asset when a team is struggling to break through a tough opponent’s defense.
His versatility is another key factor, as he can excel in multiple roles across the attacking line, making him a flexible option for Arteta when adjusting tactics or dealing with injuries.
Furthermore, Trossard’s consistent fitness and availability make him even more valuable in the long grind of a competitive season.
All things considered, Trossard is more than just an asset to be cashed in on due to his age.
His game-changing abilities, versatility, and reliability make him an essential part of Arsenal’s current squad, and selling him now could prove detrimental to their title aspirations.
As Arsenal eyes success in the Premier League and beyond, Trossard’s influence will likely be crucial in helping them reach their goals this season.