Leandro Trossard says leaving Arsenal was ‘never really an option’

Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard has said reports linking him with a move away from the Emirates this summer were wide of the mark. 

The 30-year-old Belgium international agreed fresh financial terms with Arsenal in August, drawing a line under speculation that limited game time following his £21m move from Brighton in January 2023 could prompt a move to Bayern Munich.

Talks over the deal, under which Trossard secured improved financial terms but no extension to a contract due to end in the summer of 2027, began at the start of this year amid interest from Saudi Arabia. 

But the striker, who was on the bench throughout August but has started Arsenal’s four most recent league and European fixtures, has revealed that he never planned to leave the club, with his limited playing time earlier in the campaign down to the lingering effects of a groin injury picked up in pre-season.

Leandro Trossard on leaving Arsenal: ‘There are always rumours’

“There are always rumours,” said Trossard, who is part of the Belgium squad that will face North Macedonia at the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent on Friday night. 

“Leaving has never really been an option. I feel very good at Arsenal. At the start of the season, I struggled a bit with an injury. I think those rumours came about because of the lack of minutes.

“But I’ve played a lot in recent weeks, I’ve done my thing, and I feel good about that.”

Who is Leandro Trossard keeping out of Arsenal’s starting XI?

Trossard’s restoration to the starting line-up has come largely at the expense of Gabriel Martinelli and new signing Noni Madueke.

The Belgian has repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith with a goal against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. His lone goalscoring contribution in the Premier League came in the form of an assist in last month’s 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest. 

Despite Trossard’s improved form, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, who also operates on the left side of attack. 

For now, though, Trossard is happy simply to be healthy again, 

“I’ve had some good weeks, both individually and with Arsenal,” he said. “I’m finally a fit footballer again, a player in top form. I’m very happy about that.”

Trossard has scored 30 goals in 132 appearances for Arsenal.