Leandro Trossard breaks silence after Arsenal made transfer decision

Leandro Trossard has revealed that leaving Arsenal during the summer transfer window was 'never really an option' for him. Despite interest from several European clubs, Trossard, 30, opted to stay in north London and signed a new contract.

Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Fenerbahce were among the clubs linked with him. The forward's new deal wasn't an extension on his previous contract, which ran until June 2027, but it increased his salary.

Mikel Arteta described the decision to offer Trossard improved terms as 'recognition' for his Arsenal career so far.

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It also explains why the Gunners rejected an approach from Roma late in the summer transfer window, as reported by the Mirror.

Speaking ahead of Belgium's World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia, Trossard said: "I've had some good weeks, both individually and with Arsenal.

"I'm finally a fit footballer again, a player in top form. I'm very happy about that."

When asked if a summer transfer was ever a possibility, the former Brighton star responded: "There are always rumours like that. Leaving was never really an option. I feel very good at Arsenal.

"At the beginning of the season I struggled a bit with an injury. I think those rumours were there because of the lack of minutes. I've been playing a lot the last few weeks, doing my thing and I feel good about that."

Arteta discussed Trossard's new deal in August, stating: "That situation has been resolved in a really great way and I think he deserves recognition, and we are very happy to have him... it might be speculation. The good players always have options to go.

"Leo was very clear from the beginning that he wanted to go here, the club was very clear that they wanted Leo here, I was very clear that I wanted him here. At the end, good outcome."

Arteta will be delighted to know that Trossard is still keen on being a versatile player, a move that could prove beneficial for Arsenal in light of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus' absences.

The 30-year-old has volunteered to fill in as a striker against North Macedonia due to injuries to both Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere.

"I'm always willing to play there. I've done it often enough at Arsenal," Trossard declared.

"That's the manager's decision. We have strikers in the squad here and I can't say too much about it myself."