Playing for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, a team nearing the top of the Premier League table, is not for the weak and Leandro Trossard's body transformation proves the Spanish tactician is focussed on keeping his players in decent shape before, during and even after each season comes to a close.
For a shrewd fee of £27 million, the Belgian moved from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 and looked to add something a bit different to Arteta's three-man front line; but he's not always been the first plan of attack for the manager.
He's now played 144 times for the north Lononders since joining, notching 34 goals and 28 assists, and has established himself as a pivotal figure for Arteta, while the winger, who began his career in Genk's academy ranks, has also packed on the muscle over 2025 as a means of impressing.
Leandro Trossard's Body Transformation, Winger Receives Praise From Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard celebrates his goal against Spurs
Born and raised in Maasmechelen, Belgium, Trossard is now on the wrong side of 30 – and being stocky has never been something you'd associate with him. He's always been a dainty winger, one capable of weaving in and out of his opponents with ease.
Fans of Arsenal and even staff would've been stunned by his pre‑season development, which showcased a far more muscular, powerful version of the 31-year-old, who has earned 50 caps for Belgium on the international stage.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes was asked who the “biggest beast” is in the Arsenal squad. The Brazilian mentioned Kai Havertz before praising Trossard for his behind-the-scenes efforts in the gym. Gabriel said:
“Leandro Trossard. Oh my gosh, this guy… He’s so strong.”
Trossard’s conditioning clearly indicates that he’s been taking his individual preparation seriously, hoping to nail himself down as Arsenal's go-to man off the left. At the time of writing, he's played 13 times (equating to 878 minutes) of Premier League football in 2025/26, but he's not always been picked from the off.
Nine out of his 13 appearances in the league have seen him begin in the starting line-up, and he's been substituted onto the pitch – typically in favour of Gabriel Martinelli – on four separate occasions.
As highlighted by Gabriel, Trossard's teammate, Havertz, is also an undercover beast in terms of how strong they are. That said, fans spotted the German had lost plenty of his muscle in pictures that Arsenal dropped to show him back in training after a prolonged period on the sidelines through injury.
Trossard's Compelling Case To Be a Starter for Arteta's Arsenal
Mikel Arteta and Leandro Trossard
“I think he’s been very consistent, very stable, but as have all the front players, I would say because they have contributed through the season so far in a great way, whether it’s starting or whether as an impact player as well," Arteta said about Trossard, who has been a reliable source of brilliance since joining.
“So, that’s what we need. Wherever we put them, they will bring different qualities to the team but I think they’re in a great moment.”
Once he's returned from injury, and he's recovered to a full extent, is Trossard a shoo-in on the left? The Belgium international's competence on his left foot means that he can provide Viktor Gyokeres – or whoever is operating in the centre-forward role – with pinpoint deliveries.
Leandro Trossard's 2025/26 Premier League Stats vs Arsenal Squad
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Minutes
Goals
Assists
Shots per Match
Key Passes per Match
Dribbles per Match
Overall Rating
Arteta, judging by the above-mentioned quotes, is a big fan of the ex-KVC Westerlo talisman and his two-footedness could be a key component for the north Londoners between now and the end of the campaign. His surliness can only be seen as a positive; many believed that Trossard arrived to be a back-up but, in the eyes of the player himself, he was ready to take someone's place.
All statistics per WhoScored* – *correct as of 03/01/2026