In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Leandro Trossard has finally opened up about the decision that ended one of the most memorable and productive chapters of his professional career.
Just days after completing a €20 million (£17.1 million) transfer to Turkish giants Besiktas, the 31-year-old Belgian international sat down for an emotional interview and delivered a candid admission: “I never planned to leave Arsenal this summer, but Mikel Arteta said something to me that got me angry.” The statement, delivered with a mix of frustration and resolution, has ignited widespread debate among Arsenal fans, highlighting the complexities of player-manager relationships, contract dynamics, and the realities of elite football in 2026.
This is not merely a transfer announcement; it is a raw glimpse into the human side of success at one of the world’s most storied clubs.
Leandro Trossard joined Arsenal in January 2023 when the Gunners paid Brighton £27 million for the versatile forward. From that moment, he quickly established himself as a fan favourite. His ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, his technical flair, and his relentless work rate made him a key part of the squad that went on to win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season. Whether starting in attack or coming off the bench as a super-sub, Trossard contributed 36 goals and 34 assists across 174 appearances.
His iconic strike against West Ham in the 2023 FA Cup semi-final remains a career highlight, while his consistent performances during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign proved he was no longer the squad player from his Brighton days. Fans loved him for his passion, his work rate, and the way he embraced life in North London. Yet, as the season concluded and the new campaign loomed, cracks began to appear beneath the surface.
The story of Trossard’s departure begins long before any transfer window opened. During the 2025 summer, when interest first emerged, the Belgian was adamant that leaving Arsenal was never an option. He repeatedly dismissed rumours, telling journalists he felt “very good” at the club and that rumours stemmed from occasional dips in form or injury concerns. Mikel Arteta, ever the master of squad planning, had publicly insisted that Trossard was “forbidden” from leaving. In November 2025, Arteta stated clearly: “For me it was forbidden for him to leave. No chance.
I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he’s a player that is going to make a difference for us.” The manager’s words provided reassurance to Trossard and the fans alike. Arteta had shown his faith by being directly involved in contract negotiations earlier that summer, granting the player a substantial pay rise and assuring him of his importance to the long-term vision. Trossard later admitted in interviews that those discussions were “honest” and that Arteta “showed me that he really saw me as an important piece” of the puzzle.
For the Belgian, the manager’s support was a cornerstone of his decision to stay and fight for a title.
The 2025-26 season, however, was no ordinary campaign. Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy after 22 years of waiting, but the journey was far from smooth. Mid-season injuries, squad rotations, and tactical shifts tested every player’s resolve. Trossard played a pivotal role in those moments of glory, yet he later reflected on the emotional toll. The title win brought immense pride, but it also highlighted the evolving needs of the team. As Arsenal prepared for another title defence in the 2026-27 season, the club’s recruitment strategy shifted toward younger, more dynamic profiles that better aligned with Arteta’s evolving tactical system.
The manager, renowned for his meticulous planning, was reshaping the squad to maintain the highest level of competitiveness while managing the wage bill and adapting to the demands of a packed fixture schedule. Trossard, now approaching his 32nd birthday, found himself on the periphery of these long-term plans.
The decisive conversation came shortly after the title celebrations had subsided. Trossard has described it as one of the most difficult moments of his career. Arteta was honest and direct, explaining that the club was entering a new phase. The experienced winger no longer fit into the manager’s long-term vision in the way he had previously. The words stung. As a footballer, Trossard has always thrived on playing regular football and contributing meaningfully to a project. Hearing from his coach that his role was diminishing felt like a personal and professional blow.
In the interview, he admitted the revelation made him angry—not at Arteta personally, but at the reality of professional sport where every decision is calculated for the greater good. “It was a difficult conversation, but I respect Mikel for being honest with me,” he said. “He told me that I no longer fit into his plans the way I did before. As a footballer, you always want to play regularly, and after hearing that, I knew I had to think about my future.” The anger was real, but so was the respect. Trossard emphasised that there were no hard feelings.
The exchange was conducted with mutual professionalism, and Arteta did not offer false hope. In an era where player loyalty is tested daily, that honesty was refreshing to many observers.
Despite the emotional weight, Trossard handled the situation with remarkable maturity. He thanked Arteta for the transparency and for never giving him false hope. “Sometimes that’s exactly what a player needs,” he noted. The decision to leave Arsenal was not taken lightly. Over 174 appearances had built unbreakable memories, and the club had supported him from the very first day he put on the red and white shirt. Yet the footballing future beckoned. Besiktas, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs with a rich history and passionate fanbase, made an offer that aligned perfectly with Trossard’s desire for a new challenge.
The Turkish side had shown belief in him from the outset, making him feel wanted and valued as a leader and goal contributor. The move to Istanbul represented the perfect next chapter: fresh competition, a platform to prove himself once again, and an opportunity to help Besiktas challenge for domestic and European honours.
The financial side of the deal has been reported as a club-to-club transaction worth €20 million—€18 million upfront plus €2 million in performance add-ons. While personal terms are still being finalised, with Trossard reportedly on a contract that runs until 2027, the move is set to be completed shortly. Arsenal will use the funds to strengthen other areas of the squad, including a new left-sided attacker, as Arteta looks to rebuild around the next generation. The departure of a title-winning hero is never easy for any club, but it is part of the modern football business model.
Clubs like Arsenal must balance legacy with ambition, and Trossard’s exit fits neatly into that strategy. His contract situation—only one year remaining after a 2025 extension—may have played a role in the timing, but the conversation with Arteta was the catalyst that tipped the scales.
Looking back across his Arsenal career, Trossard’s contributions were nothing short of remarkable. He arrived as a Brighton loanee but quickly became a cornerstone. His versatility allowed him to play as a left winger, right winger, or even as a false nine at times. His work rate in pressing and tracking back was legendary, and his ability to score from outside the box or deliver precise cut-backs made him invaluable in the box. During the 2025-26 title charge, he featured in 19 goal involvements, helping Arsenal secure the trophy.
Fans will forever cherish moments like his West Ham winner and his contributions in big away games. Even in his final weeks at the club, he showed nothing but gratitude. In his post-transfer statement, Trossard said: “I’ll always be thankful to Arsenal, the staff, my teammates and especially the fans. They supported me from day one, and I’ll always have great memories of my time at the club. Now it’s time for a new adventure, and I’m excited to give everything for Besiktas.”
The reaction from the Arsenal faithful has been mixed but largely respectful. Many supporters were heartbroken to see a player who embodied the club’s fighting spirit move on, but they understood the business reality. Social media has been flooded with tributes, memes, and heartfelt messages. Some fans expressed disappointment that the departure happened at all, citing the importance of continuity in a successful team. Others appreciated the honesty behind the news, recognising that Trossard’s anger was born out of a genuine desire to keep playing at the highest level.
Arsenal fans, known for their passionate support, will always have a special place in the Belgian’s heart, even as he embarks on a new chapter in Turkey.
From Trossard’s perspective, this move is about growth and legacy. At 31, he is entering what could be the final years of his playing career, and he wants to maximise every remaining opportunity. Besiktas offers exactly that—a chance to be a focal point of the attack in a league that values creativity and flair. The Belgian has spoken about wanting to play an important role and help the Turkish club compete at the highest level. His experience in the Premier League, his international pedigree with Belgium, and his proven ability to deliver in big moments make him a valuable addition.
As he prepares for the 2026-27 season, Trossard is focusing on one thing: proving that he still has plenty to offer.
The broader implications for Arsenal are significant. With Trossard gone, the club must identify replacements for the left flank and perhaps adjust their tactical setup to fit the new era. Arteta’s squad rebuild continues, and this sale will provide the financial breathing space needed. The manager has always prioritised the team’s best interests, and his honest conversation with Trossard exemplifies the trust and respect that defined their relationship. While the player may have felt “got angry” at the time, the long-term benefit to Arsenal’s project is clear.
Trossard’s story is a classic example of the modern football transfer market. Players like him build incredible bonds at clubs like Arsenal but must make pragmatic decisions when opportunities arise elsewhere. His journey from Brighton to Arsenal and now to Besiktas demonstrates the global nature of the game and the importance of seizing the right moment. The Belgian has said he leaves Arsenal with nothing but gratitude, and that message resonates deeply. He will carry fond memories of the stadium, the fans, and the staff who made him feel part of something special.
As this new chapter unfolds, one thing is certain: Leandro Trossard will approach his move to Besiktas with the same passion and professionalism that defined his time at Arsenal. The anger he felt during that conversation with Arteta was real, but it was also temporary. What matters most is the belief that he still has much to give, and the Turkish club is ready to welcome him with open arms.
For now, the spotlight shifts from the Emirates to the Süper Lig, but Trossard’s legacy at Arsenal will endure in the hearts of fans who witnessed one of the most exciting chapters in club history.
In conclusion, the news of Trossard’s departure has been a rollercoaster for football enthusiasts worldwide. The revelation that Arteta’s honesty triggered his decision adds a human dimension to what could have been just another transfer. Yet, it also underscores the beauty and challenges of elite sport—where loyalty is tested, opportunities arise, and every player must chart their own path. Leandro Trossard has chosen to leave Arsenal this summer, but his time in North London will always be remembered as one of the defining periods of his career.
The Belgian international, now heading to Besiktas, carries with him not only a title medal but also a wealth of memories and the knowledge that, even in departure, he ended on a positive note of mutual respect with the man who shaped his Arsenal journey. The future remains bright for all involved, and one thing is clear: football moves on, but some stories never truly end.