Arteta Blocked Trossard's Exit as Arsenal Winger Shines in North London Derby

Key facts

• Leandro Trossard scored in the 36th minute of Arsenal's 4-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday.
• Arsenal moved six points clear of Chelsea atop the Premier League table with the victory.
• Mikel Arteta said he 'forbade' Trossard from leaving in the summer transfer window.
• Trossard signed a new contract running until 2027 with a pay increase.
• The 30-year-old has 32 goals for Arsenal and has never lost when he scores (24 wins, 8 draws).
• Eberechi Eze scored a hat-trick in the same match after joining Arsenal this summer.
• Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce and Besiktas were among clubs interested in Trossard.

Arteta's Veto Keeps Trossard at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed after Sunday's north London derby that he personally blocked Leandro Trossard from leaving the club during the summer transfer window. The Belgian winger had been linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Fenerbahce and Besiktas as Arsenal invested heavily in new signings including Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze. Arteta told reporters: 'For me it was forbidden for him to leave. No chance. I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he's a player that is going to make a difference for us.' The manager described Trossard's performance against Tottenham as 'one of the best games' and praised his aggression with and without the ball.

Trossard Opens Scoring in 4-1 Derby Rout

Trossard put Arsenal ahead in the 36th minute at the Emirates Stadium, a goal that set the tone for a dominant display. Eze later completed a hat-trick as Arsenal won 4-1, moving six points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table. After the match, Trossard said: 'I enjoyed that a lot! I think it was important to get that goal. After that it gave us the edge to go on and score more goals, to create chances. It was a perfect night for us.' He added that the atmosphere was 'amazing' and that the fans pushed the team forward.

Contract Extension and Pay Rise Secured

Despite earlier fan criticism over the decision to open contract talks with a 30-year-old whose performances had dipped compared to the 2023/24 season, Trossard has now signed a new deal running until 2027 with an increased salary. The winger had been in advanced talks since May, but the agreement was only finalized after Arteta's intervention. Trossard registered Arsenal's second-highest total of goals and assists last season, behind only Bukayo Saka, and remains an important part of the squad. He has interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League but has not yet decided on his long-term future.

Unbeaten Record When Trossard Scores

Trossard's goal continued an extraordinary personal record: he has now scored 32 times for Arsenal since joining from Brighton in 2023 and has never been on the losing side in any of those matches. The Gunners have won 24 and drawn eight of the games in which he has found the net. In a recent 3-0 win over Fulham, Trossard provided an assist for Gyokeres, his first Premier League assist since early February. He started his first league game since March 1 in that match, taking four shots and creating two chances.

Kieran Tierney Departs for Celtic

The same week Trossard's future was secured, long-serving left-back Kieran Tierney announced his departure from Arsenal to rejoin Celtic. Tierney had signed a pre-contract agreement in January to return to the club he left in 2019. In an Instagram post, Tierney wrote: 'Full of emotions these last few weeks! To be part of this special club for 6 years has meant so much to me.' Trossard liked the post, signaling support for his former teammate. Tierney's time at Arsenal was marked by outstanding early performances but was hampered by recurring injuries.

Title Race Heats Up as Arsenal Aim to End Drought

Arsenal's victory over Tottenham, combined with other results, has opened a six-point gap over Chelsea at the top of the table. The Gunners are aiming to end their long wait for the Premier League title, with Arteta's side showing resilience after a mid-season dip in form. The summer arrivals of Gyokeres, Madueke and Eze have deepened the squad, but also created speculation that Trossard might be surplus. Arteta's refusal to let him go underscores the manager's belief in the Belgian's value, especially in high-stakes matches like the derby.

What Comes Next for Trossard and Arsenal

With a new contract in hand and a key role in Arteta's system, Trossard appears settled at the Emirates for the foreseeable future. However, interest from Saudi Pro League clubs persists, and the winger may still consider a move if a suitable offer arrives. For now, Arsenal's focus remains on the title race. Trossard's record of never losing when he scores provides a statistical edge that Arteta will hope to exploit in the run-in. The manager's decisive intervention in the summer has already paid dividends on the pitch.

The bottom line

• Arteta personally vetoed Trossard's summer exit, calling it 'forbidden' for him to leave.
• Trossard scored in the north London derby and signed a new contract through 2027 with a pay rise.
• The 30-year-old has an unbeaten record when scoring for Arsenal: 24 wins and 8 draws in 32 games.
• Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League after the 4-1 win over Tottenham.
• Kieran Tierney left Arsenal to rejoin Celtic, ending a six-year stint plagued by injuries.
• Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke were among Arsenal's major summer signings.