Brentford launch shock swoop for Arsenal star as Wissa eyes Newcastle

Every summer brings its transfer surprises, and Brentford’s reported interest in Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard is exactly that.

According to FootballTransfers, the Bees are preparing a surprise swoop for the 30-year-old Belgian, who could be lured away from the Emirates with the promise of more game time and a tempting three-year contract.

Trossard has been a reliable squad player for Mikel Arteta since arriving from Brighton in January 2023. He has contributed 28 goals and 23 assists in a total of 124 appearances across all competitions. For a player that has been used in squad rotation, usually replacing Martinelli, that is a decent return.

Enter Brentford.

For Brentford, the appeal of Trossard makes sense

With Yoane Wissa pushing for a move to Champions League-bound Newcastle, Brentford are reportedly eyeing Trossard as a ready-made replacement. The appeal makes sense. Trossard brings Premier League experience, creativity, and the kind of tactical intelligence Brentford love in a forward.

However, one cannot overlook the fact that this is a Brentford squad under new management. Many are tipping them to struggle under Keith Andrews in the premier League next season. Brian Mbuemo has departed for Old Trafford and Wissa now looks set to head for Tyneside. This is a much weaker Brentford than the one that finished 10th last season and held Arsenal 1-1 at the Emirates in April.

Trossard has been courted by the likes of Borussia Dortmund this summer, so a move across the capital to a club without European football is perhaps unlikely. The Belgian is probably more likely to consider a move to a bigger European club or one that is prepared to meet his wage demands. Turkish powerhouse, Fenerbahce have been linked with Trossard. Somewhat predictably, so have clubs in Saudi.

Trossard's potential departure presents an interesting dilemma

For Arsenal, the potential departure presents an interesting dilemma. While Trossard hasn’t always been a nailed-on starter, his impact off the bench has often been vital, especially during congested fixture periods. Fans have found comfort in seeing him come from off the bench to replace Martinelli, particularly when the Brazilian has not been at his best.

Releasing Trossard may help fund the Eberechi Eze deal but the Englishman is not a like-for-like replacement. Even Madueke's arrival does not instil confidence that the left-wing position is properly catered for – not given Martinelli's recent form.

From Trossard’s perspective, a move might be appealing. At 30, regular football becomes more important. Brentford can offer him exactly that. Add in the security of a three-year deal, and it’s easy to see why he might consider the move. But much will depend on the Belgian's footballing ambition and his desire to stay in the capital.

Still, it’s not a deal that’s close—at least not yet. Arsenal hold the cards and are unlikely to let him leave without securing a suitable replacement. Arteta values depth and experience, and Trossard offers both.

Whilst Brentford does not seem the logical move for Trossard, stranger things have happened and football is full of surprises.

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