Arteta reveals why Trossard’s Arsenal exit was “forbidden” in the summer

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a statement 4–1 win over Tottenham, and once again, Leandro Trossard proved why Mikel Arteta refused to let him leave the club during the summer. The Belgian opened the scoring with a deflected finish, delivered an assist and produced one of his most complete performances since joining the Gunners — vindicating Arteta’s belief that he remains “a player who makes the difference”.

That insistence is even more striking considering the club’s heavy summer investment in attacking reinforcements. With Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres all arriving, Trossard looked like the obvious candidate to make way. Instead, Arsenal doubled down on him: he agreed improved terms in August, with wages rising to around £90,000 per week — and possibly closer to £100,000 with bonuses.

The message from Arteta was clear: Trossard wasn’t going anywhere.

Speaking after the derby, Arteta was unequivocal.
“For me it was forbidden for him to leave. No chance.”

The manager emphasised Trossard’s value inside a squad built around fluid roles and high technical standards. “I know the player that he is… he’s going to make a difference for us.”

Arteta then praised what he called “one of the best games” Trossard has played for Arsenal — aggression, effectiveness, off-ball intensity, and constant threat. The Belgian could easily have added more goals.

Trossard started on the left, with Gyökeres, Havertz and Jesus still unavailable. Once again, he stepped up when options were limited, a recurring theme since he arrived from Brighton. His chemistry with Saka and Rice, and his knack for appearing in decisive moments, continue to make him one of Arsenal’s most reliable performers.

Eze and Madueke add quality and unpredictability, but Trossard offers something rarer: he raises the collective level around him. Arteta knows it — which is why the Belgian’s exit was never an option, even in a summer of big-name arrivals.

Having covered Arsenal throughout Arteta’s rebuild, it’s clear why Trossard sits so high in the manager’s internal hierarchy. In our view, Trossard’s value doesn’t lie in volume — it lies in decisiveness. He scores important goals, he links phases intelligently, and he adapts to multiple roles without disrupting structure.

Although some fans believed summer arrivals would push him down the pecking order, other indications point differently: Arteta prizes tactical intelligence over raw explosiveness. This seems optimistic for Trossard long-term — he fits Arteta’s positional game better than several more physical attackers.

From experience watching Arsenal under pressure, Trossard is exactly the profile Arteta trusts in volatile matches: calm, technical, experienced, and always alive to small margins.

With Gyökeres, Havertz and Jesus all sidelined, Arsenal’s forward line has relied heavily on adaptability. Trossard’s versatility ensures Arsenal don’t have to compromise structure or shift players into unnatural roles. His ability to play wide, as a false nine and even as an interior allows Arteta to maintain flow even with multiple absences.

When the full squad is fit, he becomes a luxury option. When injuries hit, he becomes essential.

Arsenal travel to Chelsea on 30 November 2025, followed by a Champions League tie the following midweek. With attacking injuries still lingering, expect Trossard to remain central to Arteta’s plans.

👉 Arsenal fans — should Trossard stay a long-term starter even when everyone is fit?