Arsenal Dealt Transfer Headache with Key Forward Refusing to Sign New Contract

Arteta Faces Dilemma Amid Arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres & Noni Madueke

Arsenal’s summer transfer window, once full of promise and ambition, has taken a complicated turn. Despite bolstering their attacking ranks with high-profile signings Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, Mikel Arteta now finds himself grappling with an unexpected conundrum. Leandro Trossard, a key figure in the Gunners’ front line, is reportedly stalling on a contract extension, throwing the club’s pre-season planning into question.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to reports, Leandro Trossard has decided to hold off on signing a new contract with Arsenal. The Belgian international, who turned 30 in December, has been a regular and reliable contributor since joining from Brighton. However, the arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP and Noni Madueke from Chelsea have significantly altered the attacking landscape at the Emirates.

The Mirror has reported that Arsenal are still actively monitoring Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, adding further pressure to Trossard’s place in the squad. With so much firepower arriving in north London, it’s no surprise that the Belgian is assessing his future carefully.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal FC v Newcastle United FC – Premier League

Trossard’s reluctance to put pen to paper isn’t just about internal competition. Sources close to the player suggest he has drawn interest from Borussia Dortmund, who are keeping a watchful eye on the situation. Additionally, Bundesliga reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the winger has two “concrete offers” from other Premier League sides, which only adds fuel to the speculation fire.

Trossard’s current deal runs until 2026, but the Gunners do hold an option to extend it by a further year. Even so, that cushion might not be enough to dissuade interested suitors—especially if Arsenal choose to cash in now, rather than risk losing him on less favorable terms later.

TELL ME MORE…

The Belgian played all 38 Premier League games for Arsenal last season, notching up vital contributions in a campaign that saw the Gunners push Manchester City all the way. Trossard’s technical finesse, tactical intelligence, and ability to operate across the front line made him a key asset in Arteta’s system.

Yet football moves fast. The arrival of Gyokeres, a powerhouse striker coming off a sensational season in Portugal, and Madueke, a young and electric winger, inevitably shifts the dynamics of Arsenal’s attacking pecking order. Add to that the potential arrival of Eze, who offers both flair and versatility, and it’s no wonder Trossard feels the need to consider his position.

He may also be wary of entering the final years of his career without guaranteed minutes. At 30, this could be his last big contract or move—and he’s justified in weighing all options carefully.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

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Arsenal are currently in Asia for their pre-season tour and will next face Tottenham in a high-profile friendly in Hong Kong. Trossard is part of the tour squad and has trained with the group, but fans and pundits alike will be closely monitoring his involvement in the matches to come.

Will Arteta use him as a starter, or will he begin to rotate him out of the lineup in favor of new arrivals? And more importantly, will the club make one last attempt to secure his signature with reassurances over game time?

CONTRACT STRATEGY OR EARLY EXIT?

Arsenal’s contract management under Edu Gaspar has generally been praised in recent years. The club have moved decisively with young stars like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba. But Trossard’s case is different. He’s older, on a shorter contract, and the club must weigh whether it makes sense to extend his stay or recoup value in the transfer market.

Some reports suggest that should a reasonable offer come in—especially from abroad—Arsenal might not stand in his way. With squad depth no longer an issue in the forward line, Trossard could be viewed as surplus to requirements by the time the window closes.

On the other hand, losing his experience and professionalism could prove costly. Trossard has often stepped up in big games and understands the demands of Premier League football at the highest level. Arteta may yet try to convince him to stay, if only to ensure stability in a squad that’s about to face the pressure of domestic and European campaigns.

A HEADACHE, BUT A LUXURY ONE?

It’s the kind of headache that top clubs like Arsenal want to have. Managing egos and expectations is a necessary part of building a title-winning team, and Trossard’s case will test Arteta’s ability to handle those dynamics.

The Gunners are in a stronger position now than they’ve been in over a decade, and having players of Trossard’s calibre questioning their place is indicative of a deep, talented squad. Still, Arteta and Edu will have to manage this one carefully. Letting go of a consistent performer like Trossard could backfire—especially if the new arrivals take time to adapt.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As things stand, Trossard remains an Arsenal player, and he could still play a vital role in the 2025-26 season. But the writing might be on the wall if he doesn’t feature prominently during pre-season or if further signings are made.

With the Gunners preparing to challenge on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, squad depth and balance are crucial. Whether that includes Trossard remains one of the biggest questions of Arsenal’s summer. And in a window full of arrivals, it might be the potential departure of a key forward that ends up defining it.

Stay tuned, Arsenal fans. This transfer saga is far from over.