Arsenal have confirmed that Belgian international Leandro Trossard is set to leave the Premier League champions after reaching an agreement with Turkish giants Besiktas for his permanent transfer.
The experienced forward has been granted permission to travel to Istanbul, where he will undergo a medical examination before completing the remaining formalities of his move to the Turkish Super Lig club.
The transfer is expected to mark the end of a productive three-and-a-half-year spell at the Emirates Stadium, where Trossard established himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s most reliable attacking options.
According to multiple reports, Besiktas have agreed to pay approximately £17 million (€20 million) for the 31-year-old winger. While the clubs have finalized the transfer fee, the player is expected to complete personal terms before the deal is officially announced.
Arsenal confirmed the development in an official statement, revealing that both clubs had reached a full agreement and that Trossard had been authorized to travel to Turkey to finalize the move.
The Belgian is reportedly set to sign a three-year contract with Besiktas, with the agreement including the option of an additional year. Reports in Turkey suggest the deal could earn him close to €9 million per season, making him one of the club’s highest-paid players.
The transfer could be completed within days once medical tests and contractual documentation are successfully concluded.
Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion during the January 2023 transfer window in a deal worth around £27 million. His arrival added versatility, creativity and valuable Premier League experience to Arteta’s squad.
Since moving to North London, the Belgian featured across multiple attacking positions, operating effectively as both a winger and a central forward whenever required.
During the 2025/26 campaign, Trossard enjoyed another impressive season, making 50 appearances in all competitions. He contributed eight goals and 11 assists, playing a key role in Arsenal’s successful campaign that saw the club lift their first English league title since 2004 and also reach the UEFA Champions League final.
His intelligent movement, technical ability and knack for producing important goals earned him praise from supporters throughout his time at the Emirates.
Although Arsenal and Trossard reached an agreement on improved financial terms in 2025, the revised package did not extend the duration of his existing contract, leaving only one year remaining before his anticipated departure.
With Besiktas presenting an attractive long-term project alongside a lucrative financial package, all parties agreed that the move represented the best outcome.
Trossard also remained an important figure for Belgium on the international stage.
At the recent FIFA World Cup, he started all six of Belgium’s matches as the Red Devils progressed to the quarter-finals. He scored twice and registered an assist during Belgium’s commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in the group stage while also providing assists in matches against Senegal and the United States.
His performances once again demonstrated the consistency and experience he has developed at both club and international level.
For Besiktas, the signing represents one of the club’s biggest transfer statements ahead of the new Turkish Super Lig season. The Istanbul-based side hopes Trossard’s experience in England, European competitions and international football will strengthen their attacking options as they challenge for domestic honours and European qualification.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are expected to reinvest the transfer income as Arteta continues reshaping his squad ahead of the defence of their Premier League crown and another Champions League campaign.
The Gunners have been active in the summer transfer market and are expected to continue strengthening key areas before the new season begins.
Supporters will remember Trossard for his professionalism, versatility and willingness to contribute whenever called upon. While he was rarely the headline star in Arsenal’s attack, he consistently delivered important performances and became an integral member of one of the club’s most successful squads in recent years.
If the medical proceeds as expected, Besiktas are likely to officially unveil the Belgian international later this week, bringing an end to his memorable chapter in English football and opening a new challenge in Turkey.
