Why Arsenal are making a MISTAKE with new Leandro Trossard contract

Arsenal are in talks to hand a new contract to Leandro Trossard in a move which could see the Belgian net a pay rise after his impact in the last 18 months.

Trossard joined Arsenal for €24 million in January 2023 and has scored 15 times in 65 Premier League appearances, often coming off the bench and being used in a variety of positions.

The forward was signed after Arsenal missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk, who moved to Chelsea in the same window, and Mikel Arteta has ultimately proven to have no regrets with his alternative to the €70m Ukrainian.

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Having only started 18 times in the league last season, Arteta has chosen to rely on Trossard more this year, featuring in all 11 of Arsenal’s games this season and starting seven of them.

Trossard’s current deal expires in 2026 and the Daily Mail report that a new contract could see him increase his salary ‘surge’ into six figures from his current £90,000 (€108,000) wages.

Arsenal are seeking to end speculation linking Trossard with a move to Saudi Arabia, having ‘point blank’ rejected approaches from Pro League sides during the summer due to the 29-year-old’s importance to the team.

Arsenal taking risk on Trossard inconsistency

Despite Trossard’s importance to the team, his form in recent weeks has led to some criticism from a subsection of Arsenal fans, having seen their previously-reliable winger provide just two goal contributions in his last 13 games.

The inconsistency in Trossard’s recent displays has led to concerns that the ex-Brighton man could be tailing off, particularly after picking up an injury while playing for Belgium during the international break.

While Trossard has never been considered an explosive player, handing him a pay-rise and a long-term deal at the age of 29 could backfire on the Gunners if he does fail to recapture his best form like so many others approaching their thirties.

Some fans may have considered it an optimum time to cash in on Trossard and replace him with a younger, long-term option but Arsenal will instead look to use the player as an experienced head going forward.

Arteta is aiming to maintain squad harmony and reward his consistent performers with improved terms, particularly with Trossard being a lower earner in Arsenal’s squad, meaning the pressure is now on the player to reward his manager’s faith and return to his best form.