Arsenal 'turn down' last-gasp transfer approach for £30m star after 'proposal' submitted'

Arsenal have reportedly turned down an ‘informal proposal’ from the Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad to sign star winger Leandro Trossard. While the Premier League’s transfer deadline was 11pm on Friday 30 August, the Saudi Pro League end their business today, Monday 2 September and had made a preliminary offer for a season-long loan for the 29-year-old Belgian international.

Trossard has been labelled as ‘clutch’ by the Gunners fanbase for the fact he pops up so often with crucial goals at just the right time. He recently became the subject of a not inconsiderable bid with the Italian transfer journalist having previously reported that Al Ittihad had submitted an offer in the region of €35 million (£29.5m)

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Romano posted: “Saudi side Al Ittihad submit proposal in the region of €35m for Leandro Trossard. Decision up to Arsenal as he’s always been an important player for Arteta. Official proposal arrives ahead of Saudi Pro League deadline, as Al Ittihad keep looking for new winger.”

While Romano suggested that the bid was a straight buy, reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein indicated the proposal that has since been rejected was a season-long loan with a fee of €5m (£4.2m) and an obligation to buy next summer for a price between €20-25m (£21m).

The Athletic also add that Arsenal have made it clear that their winger is not for sale at any price as he remains an integral part of Arteta’s squad.

Trossard first arrived in north London from Brighton in January 2023 in a deal that would rise to around £27m including add-ons. By the end of his first half-season, he had scored one goal and provided ten assists.

In the 2023/24 season, the Belgian star scored 12 goals in 34 Premier League fixtures as well as four goals in nine Champions League matches. He started on the bench for the Gunners recent clash against Aston Villa but quickly opened up the scoring just two minutes after coming on and helped Arsenal to win 2-0.

Towards the end of last season, Trossard replaced Gabriel Martinelli in the startling line-up but after being reduced to the Brazilian’s substitute once more for the clash against Aston Villa, the Belgian star said: “I think everyone wants to start games and play games obviously then it’s up to the player how they respond.

“I always want to make an impact if it’s off the bench or as a starter. I think I’ve done my job today to help the team there’s not much more that I can do in that aspect.”

Trossard then featured in Arteta’s starting XI that drew 1-1 with Brighton on Saturday.