Arsenal reject transfer bid from Al-Ittihad for Leandro Trossard ahead of Saudi Arabia deadline day

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, according to CBS Sports sources. The Belgian international was the subject of an offer understood to have included a buy option for the Belgian international, 29, with Al-Ittihad eager to secure a marquee addition before their transfer window closes later on Monday.

However, sources indicate that Arsenal swiftly distanced themselves from further talks with the Jeddah side, one of four owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF. Separately sources indicated to CBS Sports that Trossard was not intending to push for a move to Saudi Arabia, where a string of high profile names have moved since the start of 2023.

Trossard has proven himself to be a valuable contributor at the Emirates Stadium since arriving from Brighton in January of last year. His combined tally of 30 goals and assists in league and European games is bettered only by Bukayo Saka, while he averages a goal every 182 minutes, an assist every 273. Most of all, the Belgian has developed a welcome knack of delivering in big moments for Mikel Arteta, most recently his second half strike to set Arsenal on course for a 2-0 win at Aston Villa.

Al-Ittihad's audacious bid for Trossard came as the clock ticked on the closure of the transfer window. The 2023 Pro League champions are among the few clubs to have a spot open in their quota of eight senior international players following the departure of Jota to Rennes for a loss of over $22 million. Clubs are also able to register an additional two foreign players aged 21 or younger with Al-Hilal moving to fill one of those spots with Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo. A $44 million deal has been agreed with Benfica for the 21-year-old.