Arsenal: Mikel Arteta explains why Leandro Trossard transfer was 'forbidden' amid summer spending spree | OneFootball

Belgian forward was tipped to leave Arsenal following a summer spending spree

Mikel Arteta revealed Leandro Trossard was "forbidden" from leaving Arsenal in the summer.

The Belgian opened the scoring with a deflected finish as the Gunners beat Tottenham 4-1 on home soil on Sunday evening.

The result ensured Arsenal made the most of defeats for Liverpool and Manchester City on Saturday, moving them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Trossard was linked with a move away from Arsenal in the summer, particularly with the club strengthening in attack by bringing in the likes of Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, it emerged in August that Trossard had agreed a new deal at Arsenal.

Although the contract did not give him an extension, still running through to 2027, Trossard was rewarded for his performances in recent seasons with a pay rise.

"For me it was forbidden for him to leave," Arteta said.

"No chance. I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he's a player that is going to make a difference for us.

"I fully agree. It was one of the best games, so aggressive with and without the ball, so effective, he could have scored another one or two goals, and he was involved in so many positive actions.

"So that's what we need. As I said, I think individually the players were excellent today."

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring against Tottenham

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Trossard started on the left against Spurs as Mikel Merino led the line, with Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still out injured.

Merino did not add to his tally of three goals this season but Arteta was still full of praise for the Spaniard's performance.

"Yes, I think it was incredible again," he said.

"We are asking him to fill in as a nine and he's not a nine, and to do a lot of the things that a nine has to do.

"But he's such an intelligent player and his work ethic and his desire to contribute and make others better is that big, and those performances give you the right reason to continue to trust him."