Besiktas Closing In on Deal for Arsenal Forward Leandro Trossard
Turkish giants Besiktas are moving closer to landing Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard, with talks described as being in an advanced and increasingly concrete phase. Reports from England indicate that negotiations between the clubs have progressed significantly, and the Belgian international has now become one of Besiktas’ top offensive targets for the upcoming season.
At 31, Trossard is seen as an ideal short- to medium‑term solution for the Istanbul side, combining experience at the highest level with the versatility to cover several positions in the final third. Besiktas’ management has made him a priority as they look to reshape their attack and provide head coach Vincenzo Italiano with more tactical flexibility for the 2026-27 campaign.
Earlier in the summer, there were suggestions that Galatasaray had also shown interest in the Arsenal forward. Despite the potential competition from their local rivals, Besiktas have maintained a strong and consistent push, determined to be the club that secures Trossard’s signature. Internally, he is viewed as a statement signing that would underline the club’s ambition both domestically and in European competitions.
Financial details remain under careful review, but the structure of the transfer appears to be the central discussion point. Besiktas are leaning towards a permanent deal and are attempting to negotiate terms that fit within their long‑term wage and amortization strategy. Nonetheless, a loan agreement containing a clearly defined purchase option has not been ruled out, especially if it helps spread the cost over several seasons and eases immediate financial pressure.
Previous assessments have placed Trossard’s market value in the €17-20 million range, roughly equivalent to £14.6-17 million. This figure reflects not only his proven output in the Premier League but also his remaining contract situation at Arsenal. The Belgian is entering what is currently understood to be the final stretch of his deal with the London club, officially running until June 2027, which adds urgency for Arsenal if they want to secure a substantial fee instead of risking a declining value later on.
Trossard played a key role for Arsenal in the 2025-26 Premier League season, despite often starting from the bench. Used primarily as a rotational option and so‑called “super‑sub,” he still managed to influence games at crucial moments. Over nearly 1,400 minutes in 35 competitive appearances, he contributed with goals, assists and link‑up play that often changed the rhythm of matches in Arsenal’s favor. That level of production, despite limited starts, has caught the attention of clubs looking for efficient, experienced attackers.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to refresh his attacking department this summer, with a focus on adding younger profiles and different skill sets to sustain the team’s high-intensity style over a long season. Within this context, moving Trossard on while he still commands a solid transfer fee appears to be a logical step for the club. Offloading him now allows Arsenal to reinvest, while also avoiding the risk of losing a versatile player for significantly less in the future.
From Besiktas’ perspective, Trossard fits almost perfectly into Italiano’s tactical blueprint. The Belgian can operate on the left wing, drift inside as a creative midfielder, or support the main striker as a second forward. His game intelligence, movement between the lines and ability to combine in tight spaces are all qualities that Besiktas believe can elevate their attacking play, especially against deep‑lying defenses in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The club also views his big‑game experience as a crucial intangible asset. Having played in high‑pressure environments in England and on the international stage with Belgium, Trossard is considered someone who can handle the expectations that come with wearing the Besiktas shirt. This leadership by example is particularly valuable in a squad where younger attackers are still developing consistency and decision-making in the final third.
Negotiations now appear to center on two primary elements: the exact structure of the transfer fee and Trossard’s personal terms. Besiktas are attempting to agree on a payment schedule that aligns with their financial model, likely involving staggered installments and performance‑based bonuses. Personal terms, meanwhile, will have to reflect Trossard’s status as a high-profile import, balancing a competitive salary with achievable incentives linked to appearances, goals, assists and team success.
Trossard himself is believed to be open to a move that would offer him a more central role than he currently enjoys at Arsenal. At this stage of his career, regular starts, creative freedom and a leading position in a club’s sporting project are likely to be decisive factors. Besiktas are positioning themselves as the club that can guarantee him that responsibility, presenting a vision in which he becomes a cornerstone of the attack rather than a rotation piece.
From a sporting perspective, the potential transfer raises intriguing tactical possibilities for Besiktas. Under Italiano, the team has shown a willingness to adopt fluid attacking patterns, with wide forwards frequently interchanging positions and supporting midfielders stepping into advanced zones. Trossard’s comfort operating both out wide and centrally would allow Besiktas to switch between different systems-such as 4‑2‑3‑1, 4‑3‑3 or even a 3‑4‑2‑1-without requiring major personnel changes.
His ability to attack from the left while cutting inside onto his stronger right foot would also complement a more traditional center‑forward, who could benefit from Trossard’s deliveries and combinations around the box. In matches where Besiktas need more control rather than sheer width, the Belgian could drop deeper into a playmaking role, helping to link midfield and attack while still arriving late in scoring positions.
For Arsenal, sanctioning Trossard’s departure would open up minutes for emerging talents and new signings. The club has been gradually evolving its front line, and moving on from older squad members is a natural part of that cycle. Trossard’s professionalism and impact off the bench will not have gone unnoticed internally, but with squad registration spots, wage budget and long‑term planning in mind, a financially solid offer from abroad is difficult to ignore.
From a broader market standpoint, a transfer of this nature would also underline the growing appeal of the Turkish Süper Lig to established European players. In recent years, top Turkish clubs have increased their efforts to attract experienced names from major leagues, offering them a leading role, passionate atmospheres and competitive wages. Trossard joining Besiktas would fit this trend, adding another high‑profile player to the league’s portfolio and further raising its international profile.
There is also a strategic aspect for Besiktas in beating domestic and European rivals to this signing. Securing a player who has been consistently involved at Premier League level would send a message to competitors that Besiktas remain an attractive and ambitious destination. It could also help persuade other targets to join, seeing that the club is serious about assembling a squad capable of challenging for the title and going deep in European tournaments.
As the talks edge closer to conclusion, all sides are described as optimistic. Besiktas want clarity as soon as possible to integrate Trossard into pre‑season plans, allowing him to adapt to Italiano’s system, build chemistry with new teammates and settle in Istanbul. Arsenal, for their part, would prefer to finalize any outgoing transfers early enough to complete their own incoming business and avoid uncertainty heading into the new campaign.
Ultimately, the final green light will depend on the last details of the payment structure and the agreement on salary, bonuses and contract length for Trossard. If these remaining hurdles are cleared, Besiktas could soon announce one of the standout moves of their summer, adding a proven, tactically intelligent and versatile forward to spearhead their push for silverware in 2026-27 and beyond.