Transfer decisions are never straight forward as Mikel Arteta is starting to find out with one Arsenal star’s World Cup performance
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta may be reconsidering Leandro Trossard’s transfer status in their squad. The forward has been a bright light in a Belgium team which has struggled to catch fire in the tournament.
However, he inspired the Belgians to a precious victory over New Zealand. He broke the deadlock in a frustrating first half against the Kiwis and added a second shortly after half time which put them in control.
Belgium went on to dominate New Zealand 5-1 and book their place in the round of 32 as group winners. His great displays have come at an interesting time, as Trossard could depart north London.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
The 31-year-old may leave the north Londoners this summer after three and a half years at the club. Saudi Arabia also looks set to be his next destination.
On Thursday, it was reported that Saudi Pro League side Al-Diriyah had submitted a £17million bid for the former Brighton and Hove Albion ace’s services. He contributed six goals and six assists in 31 Premier League appearances last season, helping the Gunners end their 22-year run without a league title.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Nevertheless, Arsenal have been heavily linked with several left wingers. Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola is high up their list.
Moreover, Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi is also a key target for Arsenal. Earlier in June, it was reported that Arsenal were “open to offers” for Trossard and fellow left-wing star Gabriel Martinelli.
Considering Trossard’s electric displays against New Zealand, Arteta may be left ruing that decision if he does go on to leave the club. Belgium struggled for goals in their previous outings against Iran and Egypt.
Trossard was given the nod to start his first match of the competition against New Zealand and paid back his manager’s faith with two goals. It will likely become harder for Belgian boss Rudi Garcia to drop the Arsenal forward for their knockout stages matches.
It may also be even harder for Arteta to part with Trossard after seeing how effective he can be in the USA. Out of 123 appearances for Arsenal, 77 of Trossard’s displays have come in the starting eleven, with 45 coming from the bench.
While Trossard is often given the tag of impact player by other fans, he made 21 starts for Arsenal last season with ten appearances coming as a sub. However, Trossard will soon enter the final year of his contract at the Gunners, meaning the time to cash in on his displays is coming up.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
from £4.50
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
