Leandro Trossard has reportedly declined the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League, instead expressing his desire for a contract extension with Arsenal.
According to reports, the Belgian forward was approached by Al-Ittihad during the summer transfer window for a loan deal, which included an obligation to buy.
While Arsenal dismissed the late summer bid, Al-Ittihad remained persistent and were prepared to offer £40 million in January to secure Trossard’s services.
However, these plans have been thwarted as Trossard has made it clear he wishes to stay at Arsenal, contribute to their Premier League title challenge, and secure a three-year extension to his current contract, which has 18 months remaining, as per the Mirror.
The 30-year-old marked his milestone birthday with a spirited celebration on Wednesday, shortly after appearing as a substitute for the final 20 minutes in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Trossard joined the Gunners in January 2023 from Brighton in a deal worth up to £27 million with add-ons, following Arsenal’s failed bid to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, who eventually joined Chelsea.
Trossard initially moved to Brighton in the summer of 2019 from Belgian club Genk for a fee of approximately £15 million. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, 24, was a factor that reignited Al-Ittihad’s hopes of signing Trossard.
Despite this, Arsenal continues to monitor Kudus, whose £85 million release clause becomes active next summer. Liverpool and Newcastle are also reportedly tracking the Ghanaian star.
