Leandro Trossard decision proves masterstroke as Arsenal reap rewards in title charge | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta simply cannot afford to leave in-form winger out despite finally having a full complement of attackers available

The news that Arsenal had hijacked Tottenham's pursuit of Eberechi Eze and secured the 27-year-old's signature was greeted with something close to delirious joy.

And then there was at best confusion, and perhaps more like bafflement, in certain corners of the typically rational platform that is X when it emerged that Leandro Trossard had been handed a pay rise with no contract extension.

The Belgian's deal still runs through to 2027 but he was given more preferable terms as a "reward" - as Mikel Arteta put it - for his efforts.

On current evidence, the decision to keep Trossard at the club and that outlay on an increased salary is looking like value to rival anything Arsenal did in the summer window.

Excluding a two-game absence with an ankle injury, Trossard, who turned 31 last month, has started 11 of Arsenal's last 13 matches in the Premier League.

He’s a player that can create magic moments and is very important for us

Mikel Arteta on Leandro Trossard

During that run, he has scored away at Sunderland, got a goal and an assist in the win over Tottenham and produced arguably his best performance of the season last time out against Aston Villa.

Trossard had as many shots on target as any player on the pitch and was behind only Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi when it came to touches for Arsenal players. He had almost double the amount of Bukayo Saka.

He was relentless off the ball, too. Only two players on the pitch made more tackles and Trossard ranked third for distance covered among the Arsenal players.

“I think he’s gone up a level every season," Arteta said on Friday. “He’s such an intelligent player, he’s a player that really wants it. He’s found his role, he’s found his maturity here, and then I think his confidence level is higher.

"He’s a player that can create magic moments and a very important player for us.”

The signing of Trossard for £27million in January 2023 has turned out to be a sensational piece of business, particularly when placed in the context of Arsenal's interest in Mykhailo Mudryk for three times the price earlier that month.

For much of the time since then, Trossard's best spells have often come off the bench, having a clutch influence in big moments but not being quite as convincing when starting.

Now, though, he is having an impact to rival the bigger-name attackers alongside him. Trossard registered more goals and more assists in the Premier League in 2025 than any of his team-mates.

The Belgian has also looked the player most capable of bringing the best out of Gyokeres. He has looked for the quick balls over the top or in behind defences.

Against Wolves, the striker dragged a shot wide when Trossard clipped a clever ball into his path. After two minutes against Brighton, Gyokeres should have scored when played in behind by a first-time ball from the winger.

It was more of the same in the win over Villa. Gyokeres' best moment came when he darted to the near post and headed just wide from a Trossard cross.

In the summer, Trossard appeared to be Arsenal's fourth-choice left winger. Ahead of the trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening, there is no player in better form in their front line.

The Gunners are at full strength in attack for the first time this season, with Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all fit.

However, for all the options now available to Arteta, tired legs and necessary rotation should be the only reason for leaving Trossard out.