Arsenal could reportedly consider the possibility of bringing former winger Leandro Trossard back to the Emirates if circumstances surrounding the Belgian forward at Beşiktaş change in the future.
Trossard left Arsenal during the summer after three-and-a-half years in north London, bringing an end to a productive spell under Mikel Arteta. The Belgian joined Beşiktaş in a permanent transfer after Arsenal reached an agreement with the Turkish club, with the move reported to be worth around £17 million.
His departure was significant because Trossard had become one of Arsenal’s most experienced attacking players. Since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023, he made 174 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 36 goals and providing 34 assists.
Although Arsenal decided to move in a different direction, the Belgian’s qualities could potentially make him an interesting option if the club ever needed additional experience in attack.
Trossard’s Arsenal Legacy
Trossard’s time at Arsenal was built around his versatility, technical ability and capacity to contribute from different positions.
The Belgian could operate from the left wing, play through the middle or move into more central attacking areas. That flexibility made him particularly useful to Arteta, especially during periods when Arsenal were dealing with injuries or needed a different attacking approach.
During his final Premier League campaign with Arsenal, Trossard recorded six goals and six assists in 31 league appearances as the club won the Premier League title.
His final season also included some important moments. Among them was his late winner against West Ham, a goal that became an important part of Arsenal’s successful title campaign.
His ability to produce decisive moments was one of the biggest reasons Arsenal supporters valued him.
Why Could Arsenal Consider a Return?
If Arsenal were ever to consider bringing Trossard back, his previous relationship with the club would be an important factor.
The Belgian already understands Arteta’s tactical demands and the expectations surrounding Arsenal. Unlike a new signing arriving from another league, Trossard would not need a long adaptation period to understand the Premier League environment.
His experience could also be useful in a squad containing several younger attacking players.
Arsenal have continued to develop their attacking options, and the club’s decision to move Trossard on showed that the squad was entering another phase. However, football can change quickly. Injuries, player departures and changes in tactical requirements can create unexpected transfer situations.
A future return would therefore depend heavily on Arsenal’s squad needs and Trossard’s circumstances at Beşiktaş.
Beşiktaş Move Changes the Situation
Trossard’s current situation makes any immediate return particularly complicated.
Beşiktaş officially announced that the player had joined them from Arsenal on a three-year contract with an option for an additional year.
That means Arsenal would not simply be able to recall him as they could with a loan player.
Any future move back to England would require negotiations with Beşiktaş, as well as agreement from Trossard himself.
The Belgian has also already started building a new chapter in Turkey. According to current player statistics, he has featured in five Süper Lig matches during the 2026/27 campaign, while also appearing in European competition.
His current season has, however, included an injury setback. Beşiktaş announced in September that scans detected bone edema in Trossard’s heel following an injury suffered against Erzurumspor. The club said his rehabilitation had begun and that treatment was continuing.
Arsenal’s Need for Experience
One possible reason a future Trossard return could become a discussion is the value of experience.
Arsenal’s squad has continued to evolve, with younger players increasingly being given opportunities. While youth can bring energy and creativity, experienced players can provide important qualities during difficult periods of a season.
Trossard has already played in title races, Champions League matches and high-pressure Premier League fixtures.
He also knows what it means to play under Arteta.
That familiarity could theoretically make him an attractive short-term option if Arsenal needed an experienced attacker in the future.
Trossard Would Also Know Arsenal’s Expectations
Returning to Arsenal would not necessarily guarantee the Belgian a starting position.
During his original spell, Trossard frequently had to compete for his place and was often used as a substitute. Nevertheless, he repeatedly demonstrated that he could influence matches even when he did not start.
That characteristic could remain valuable.
A player capable of entering a match late and providing a goal, assist or change of tempo can be extremely important during a long campaign.
Trossard’s previous record at Arsenal suggests that he possesses those qualities.
What Would Need to Happen?
For a return to become realistic, several things would have to happen.
First, Arsenal would need to identify a need for an experienced attacking player. Second, Trossard would have to remain open to returning to England. Third, Arsenal and Beşiktaş would need to negotiate an agreement acceptable to both clubs.
The financial side would also be important.
Arsenal sold Trossard to Beşiktaş rather than sending him on loan, meaning any return would represent another transfer rather than a simple recall.
There is currently no confirmed indication that Arsenal are preparing such a move.
A Familiar Face Could Return
For now, Trossard remains a Beşiktaş player and Arsenal have moved forward without him.
However, football has produced plenty of unexpected returns over the years, and the possibility of a former player returning can never be completely dismissed.
Trossard’s contribution to Arsenal means he would likely receive a warm reception if he ever returned to the Emirates.
He left the club having made 174 appearances, scored 36 goals and contributed 34 assists.
Those numbers underline the importance of his Arsenal career.
For the moment, though, any talk of Trossard returning should be treated as speculation rather than a confirmed transfer development. His immediate future remains with Beşiktaş, where he has begun the next stage of his career.
Should Arsenal’s attacking needs change in the future, his name could once again become an interesting one to watch.
