Leandro Trossard Arsenal contract extension explained amid final summer transfer worry

Leandro Trossard is set to sign a new deal with Arsenal, football.london understands. As first reported by James McNicholas, the Belgian international, after a summer of speculation, is expected to sign a new deal on improved terms but not an extension; instead, his deal will still expire in 2027.

Arsenal had been in talks with the player’s representatives for some time, and discussions had been ongoing since the start of the summer. Mikel Arteta has been happy with Trossard’s contributions, after 27 goals and 13 assists across the past two seasons. His new wage reflects both his contribution and place in the group aligned with others of similar seniority and importance.

Turning 31 in December, however, there have been question marks from supporters over the decision to renew the player, especially when there had been a keenness to bring in a new left-sided wide player this summer. Arsenal’s window could end with these current six signings, meaning the club would fall one short of the three attacking reinforcements that football.london understood was an aim at the beginning of the window.

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Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke have been brought in, while Ethan Nwaneri signed a new contract with the club. Trossard’s future is secured, and there is no sign of an offer coming for Gabriel Martinelli, which means that a late move at this stage, barring significant outgoings, looks tricky.

Eberechi Eze had been a target of the club, football.london understands, however the renewal of Nwaneri’s contract saw that interest diminish, and now a move to Tottenham appears more likely. The reality for Arsenal is with Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Karl Hein, Oleksandr Zinchenko and potentially Jakub Kiwior all still on the books despite links with a move away and none included in the first matchday squad of the season, recruitment is not the focus.

Some have argued why a move for Madueke was prioritised over the likes of Eze when the left-hand side was seen by plenty as a priority alongside the centre-forward position. Of course, with Madueke having made all of his appearances in pre-season and in Manchester on the left, Arteta, it turns out, might see the player’s potential in this area.

However, the primary reason behind his acquisition was to bring competitive depth to Bukayo Saka, whose near-four-month absence left Arsenal’s title challenge in tatters last season. The fact that he can play on the left is proving both a bonus and a potential factor in the lack of desperation over making something happen for a left-winger before the deadline.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Spurs pre-season match and after both Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera were confirmed, Arteta was asked if he still thought he was short. While admitting he was now very happy with what the club had done, his words still gave a sense that the intended business was not yet finished.

“I said that I was extremely happy with the way that we have approached the window and how aggressive we have been,” he said. “There's still a long period still with the window open. So far, we are very happy with what we've achieved, and make sure at the end of the window, we continue to be super happy.”

Referencing the lost time of the window that remained and the hope that by its close, they will continue to be happy could mean two things: more signings and not losing players between then and the deadline, either through injury or departure.

At that time, it was believed the club were indeed making attempts to keep Trossard, but links with an exit were prominent. Therefore, it stands to reason Arteta could have made it clear that keeping players like Trossard was part of that potential super happiness come September.

The reality remains that, despite the potential for a characteristic Arsenal social media meltdown, the summer has been good. Every single one of the six signings the club has made is an upgrade on the position that they have come to play.

Looking at their rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, the challenge is, of course, significant. But it is also difficult to see how a signing like an Eze or a Rodrygo will have such a serious effect on the club’s hopes, meaning hopes of winning the title are changed from ‘could’ to ‘will.’

The squad taking on the league challenge this time is significantly stronger than it was at the same time last season. In fact, their win over Manchester United has them in a net positive from last season’s matchups after just one matchday.

Could the end of the window still hold a surprise? Never say never. However, for now, until some serious sales occur, the expectation remains that these are the tools Arteta has to build a run to silverware this season.