Besiktas prepare move for Leandro Trossard as Arsenal exit looms

Leandro Trossard could be edging closer to an Arsenal departure this summer, with Besiktas reportedly preparing a major offer for the Belgian attacker as they look to strengthen Vincenzo Italiano's squad.

The Turkish club have identified Trossard as their leading target for the left-wing position and are now moving towards formal negotiations after making initial contact with Arsenal earlier this week.

Reports from Turkey suggest Besiktas are ready to back their interest with a sizeable financial package, both for the player and for the Premier League champions.

Following the appointment of Vincenzo Italiano as head coach, Besiktas have accelerated plans to reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Trossard has emerged as one of the club's priority targets and preparations are underway for an official proposal worth around €20m.

The deal would reportedly include a salary package worth approximately €7m per year for the 31-year-old, underlining Besiktas' determination to bring him to Istanbul.

While formal negotiations are yet to begin, the Turkish side are expected to present their offer to both Arsenal and the player in the coming days.

Trossard remains an important squad option for Mikel Arteta, contributing eight goals and 11 assists across 50 appearances during the 2025/26 season.

However, the Belgian's contract situation could influence Arsenal's thinking.

His current deal runs until 2027, meaning this summer represents one of the club's final opportunities to secure a significant transfer fee before entering the final year of his contract.

Having covered Arsenal's squad evolution under Arteta in recent seasons, the club have shown a willingness to move experienced players on when the timing aligns with their long-term planning.

Trossard turns 32 later this year, and Arsenal may need to weigh his continued contribution against the opportunity to generate funds for reinvestment elsewhere in the squad.

That does not automatically mean a sale will happen, but the circumstances make the situation worth monitoring.

Even if Arsenal are willing to negotiate, the transfer would still require Trossard's approval.

The Belgian international has played a valuable role since arriving from Brighton and remains part of a squad competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe.

A move to Turkey would offer a lucrative contract and a central role in Besiktas' project, but it would also represent a significant change at this stage of his career.

At present, there is no indication of Trossard's stance on the potential move.

Besiktas are expected to formalise their interest shortly, with discussions potentially beginning before Arsenal's pre-season preparations get underway.

Arsenal must then decide whether the proposed fee represents good value for a player entering the final stages of his contract. Much could also depend on Arteta's wider transfer plans and whether attacking reinforcements arrive this summer.

For now, Trossard's future remains open, but the coming weeks could determine whether his time at the Emirates Stadium is approaching its conclusion.

Should Arsenal cash in on Trossard this summer, or does his experience remain too valuable to lose ahead of another title challenge?