Mikel Arteta ‘blocked’ Arsenal player’s transfer – Gunners want to offer him new deal

Het Nieuwsblad believe Leandro Trossard deserves to enjoy more game time at Arsenal.

The forward has clocked in over 3,500 minutes since joining Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023.

He has to compete with Gabriel Martinelli for a place in the starting XI, and the Brazilian has played more minutes than then 29-year-old.

Het Nieuwsblad points out the Belgium international is more decisive than the South American. Trossard has been involved in a goal or assist every 111 minutes, and Martinelli once in every 169 minutes.

Despite this, the north London club were determined to retain him. Mikel Arteta is a ‘real fan’ of the player. The manager had ‘blocked’ his transfer, when several clubs knocked on Trossard’s door in the summer window.

Al-Ittihad wanted to sign him on loan [€5m fee] with an obligation to buy set at €25m. They had also offered €15m per year deal to Trossard, which is three times more than his current salary. The Gunners also refused to sell, and the player also wasn’t keen.

It’s claimed the former KRC Genk star is hungry, both financially and in a sporting sense. His deal lasts until 2026. Arsenal haven’t started negotiations for the renewal, but the report says they intend to make an offer to Trossard.