Arsenal have firmly turned down a late approach from Al-Ittihad, who sought to bring Leandro Trossard on loan for the season with an option to make the deal permanent. The Gunners are resolute in keeping the Belgium forward and have no plans to let him go.
The Saudi Arabian club’s offer included a £4 million loan fee and a future transfer obligation of around £25 million. Despite this tempting proposal, Arsenal quickly rejected it, as they consider the 29-year-old Trossard a crucial part of their squad, especially with the recent addition of Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea, finalized on the last day of the Premier League transfer window.
With the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League and several European leagues closing on Monday, Al-Ittihad hoped to strengthen their roster by adding Trossard alongside their recent signing, Moussa Diaby, who joined from Aston Villa for €60 million.
Trossard, who featured against Brighton on Saturday, had previously scored the opening goal in Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa the week before. His restrained celebration indicated some frustration with his role, but Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, praised his professionalism.
In other transfer news, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who had been linked with significant moves to England and Saudi Arabia, has unexpectedly agreed to a season-long loan with Galatasaray. The deal, which includes a break clause in January, will see Galatasaray cover Osimhen’s salary. Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling also completed his transfer from Roma to Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha. Meanwhile, the transfer windows in the Netherlands and Portugal remain open until Monday night.
Manchester City’s Issa Kaboré has joined Benfica on a season-long loan, and PSV are on the verge of signing Joel Ndala from City’s academy on loan with an obligation to buy for up to £8.4 million, including a buyback clause for the England Under-17 forward.
