Arsenal have turned down an informal proposal from Al Ittihad to sign Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard ahead of the Saudi Arabia deadline day.
The Saudi Pro League side made a preliminary offer for a season-long loan, including a fee of €5 million with an obligation to buy next summer for a price between €20 and €25 million, according to David Ornstein from The Athletic.
Arsenal turned down Al Ittihad verbal offer for Leandro Trossard yesterday: loan (€5m), buy obligation (€20-25m). Informal bid + #AFC made clear not for sale. Long-term deal, key part of squad & no chance to replace @TheAthleticFC post @FabrizioRomano https://t.co/QrdPrW4asG
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 2, 2024
Arsenal made it clear to the Saudi side that Trossard isn’t for sale and is a key part of Arteta’s plans for the Gunners in the long term. With the transfer window officially closed, it would become more difficult to replace him even with a possible sale.
Assessing why Arsenal rejected the offer and how he’s an undervalued asset:
With Arsenal’s attacking options being very thin on paper, it became ever so obvious that they couldn’t deplete the number even more, especially with the season starting and the window closing.
An already thin squad, which loaned out Reiss Nelson on deadline day and managed to acquire the services of Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan.
Leandro Trossard has played a monumental part in the short spell he’s had at Arsenal since January 2023. Having made 71 appearances since his signature at the North London side, he’s managed to score 19 goals and rack up 12 assists.
A player that has delivered in crucial moments and stepped up in big moments for the Gunners. An ever-reliant player, when depended upon—may it be off the bench or starting—he makes sure he makes his presence felt by contributing in crunch scenarios.
As much as he’s proved to be clinical in stepping up for Arteta’s team, he’s also a very sharp shooter and finisher who has a knack for scoring crucial goals that are executed beautifully. Arguably, one of the best finishers in the squad.
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His versatility doesn’t need much introduction; from covering shifts at left wing-back at Brighton to playing multiple attacking roles at Arsenal (LW, SS, CF), he keeps proving why he’s a manager’s favourite player to be deployed.
Lastly, he boasts a very impressive track record of hardly missing games due to injury. In an injury-damaged squad Arsenal unfortunately are accustomed to, especially covering the minutes Gabriel Jesus misses out on proves to be valuable.
In the end, a good decision for both parties involved to reject the offer: Trossard could strive to get more minutes and prove to the fans how he is one of their defining pieces in attack, and Arsenal could largely benefit from all his attributes that he brings to the club for a bargain!
