Arsenal have rejected a loan offer from Saudi side Al-Ittihad for Leandro Trossard, who they do not intend to sell at any price given current market conditions, CBS Sports sources said. The Belgium international was the subject of a bid that would include an option to buy for the Belgium international, 29, with Al-Ittihad keen to secure an additional signing before their transfer window closes later on Monday.
However, sources indicate that Arsenal quickly distanced themselves from further talks with the Jeddah side, one of four countries owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF. Separate sources indicated to CBS Sports that Trossard had no intention of pushing for a move to Saudi Arabia, where a string of high-profile names have moved since early 2023.
Trossard has proven to be a valuable contributor to the Emirates Stadium since joining from Brighton in January last year. His combined tally of 30 goals and assists in league and European matches is only surpassed by Bukayo Saka, while he averages a goal every 182 minutes and assists every 273. Above all, the Belgian has developed a welcome talent for performing in big moments. for Mikel Arteta, most recently his second-half goal put Arsenal on course for a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
Al-Ittihad’s bold bid for Trossard came as the clock was ticking on the close of the transfer window. The 2023 Pro League champions are among the few clubs with a spot open in their quota of eight senior international players following the departure of Jota to Rennes for a loss of more than $22 million. Clubs can also register two foreign players aged 21 or younger. Al-Hilal will fill one of those spots with Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo. A $44 million deal has been agreed with Benfica for the 21-year-old.