Leandro Trossard’s future at Arsenal is again under scrutiny after reports in Turkey claimed the club are prepared to sanction his departure for around £20 million.
According to Sabah, Besiktas have identified the Belgian as a leading target for their left flank and are attempting to bring the asking price down in the final days of the Turkish transfer window.
Arsenal are understood to have set their valuation at £20 million, with Sozcu reporting that Besiktas have already submitted a formal bid.
The situation is complicated by the fact that the English market has now closed, leaving Arsenal unable to bring in a replacement.
Nevertheless, the club appear open to cashing in on a player who, despite just being handed a pay rise through a contract adjustment this summer, has slipped down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
This season, for instance, he has played just 37 minutes of the 270 that have been available.
Trossard, 30, joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 and has delivered 28 goals and 23 assists in 125 matches, but opportunities to start have become less frequent.
He also featured in Belgium’s 6-0 victory over Liechtenstein on Thursday, as a second half sub, but made little impact with his side already five up.
The winger’s contract at Arsenal runs until 2027 although he is unlikely to see it out.
For Besiktas, the attraction is clear. President Serdal Adalı is intent on strengthening his squad with experience, and the Turkish side see Trossard as a player who could immediately improve their attacking options.
With negotiations ongoing and both sides standing firm, the outcome may come down to whether Arsenal really want to cash in now or wait until January or next summer
The Turkish window closes just before midnight local time on 12 September.