Mikel Arteta is about to lose one of his Arsenal favourites, with a deal expected to close imminently. The Gunners are in the midst of an intriguing summer after their Premier League title success last season. The Gunners must be careful not to disrupt the nucleus of their squad, but Arteta knows there are improvements needed to stay ahead in the Premier League and to catch the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Arsenal want a left-winger upgrade and a new number 8, while they could yet improve other areas if exits leave gaps, for example in the case of Gabriel Jesus, who will likely depart.
Arteta now set to lose one of his favourites
Mikel Arteta and Leandro Trossard
With Arsenal looking to strengthen on the left, Leandro Trossard has been the first player to seek an exit due to wanting regular starts. One of the Gunners' biggest challenges this summer will be keeping some of their important squad players who are going to be offered starting roles elsewhere, and Trossard is the first to take up one of those opportunities.
The Belgian arguably had his best season as an Arsenal player last term, playing a vital role in the league and European success. But he also knows he is about to be replaced in the starting XI, and at 31 years of age, he wants to play regular first team football, now likely in the last year of his prime.
Besiktas have now moved to strike a deal worth a touch over £17million, or 20million euros specifically.
Trossard has already been pictured in a Besiktas shirt, and he is now set to fly to Istanbul to complete his move, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Arteta loved Trossard's consistency
leandro trossard
Speaking about Trossard back in January, Arteta said: “I think his level of understanding and consistency, he’s got ability. But the level of consistency he’s showing this season in particular, I think, has been exceptional. I think he’s really clicking with the team in every aspect of the game and he’s a player that provides something different to what we have.”
He added towards the end of the season: "I think he's been very consistent, very stable, but as have all of the front players I would say, because they have contributed through the season so far in a great way, whether it's starting or as an impact player. They're in a great moment."
It's clear Arteta was a huge fan of Trossard's, keeping faith in the Belgian even when he had difficult patches of form during the season before last, but very few are safe in this Arsenal project that is constantly seeking to improve.
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