Besiktas have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard for €18 million plus €2 million in add-ons, with the Gunners accepting the Turkish side’s proposal. The agreement ends the Istanbul club’s pursuit of Sassuolo forward Armand Laurienté, whom they deemed prohibitively expensive.
The 31-year-old Belgium international is currently competing at the 2026 World Cup, delaying finalisation of personal terms and the medical examination. However, reports indicate Trossard is expected to sign a contract worth €9 million per season once his international duties conclude, representing a significant wage increase from his current deal in North London.
Italiano Secures Priority Target
Vincenzo Italiano, who took charge of Besiktas this summer, sought reinforcements in wide attacking positions to suit his tactical approach. The Italian coach had identified both Trossard and Laurienté as candidates but was authorised to secure only one permanent signing this window.
The agreement allows Arsenal to recoup value from a player who enters the final year of his Emirates Stadium contract. Had the London club rejected the offer, they would have risked losing the Belgian without compensation when his deal expires in 12 months.
Laurienté Pursuit Abandoned
The Turkish club withdrew from negotiations with Sassuolo after the Serie B side demanded €30 million for Laurienté. Besiktas had offered approximately €20 million for the Frenchman, creating a financial gap that prompted them to focus resources on the Arsenal attacker instead.
Laurienté had reportedly agreed personal terms with Besiktas and was eager to complete the move, but the clubs could not reach a compromise on the transfer fee. This represents another setback for the 26-year-old, who saw a proposed switch to Sunderland collapse in 2025 due to similar valuation disputes.
Next Steps
Completion of the transfer awaits Trossard’s return from World Cup duty with Belgium. The forward must finalise personal terms and undergo a medical before the move becomes official.
The deal represents a significant coup for Besiktas and Italiano, securing an experienced Premier League attacker for a reduced fee due to his contractual situation, while avoiding the premium Sassuolo demanded for their alternative target.