Leandro Trossard has become a fan favourite at Arsenal since he arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023. Despite playing a vital role in the Gunners’ squad, he finds himself in fierce competition with Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli for a spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. While Martinelli has often been the preferred choice, Belgian outlet *Het Nieuwsblad* believes Trossard’s impressive contributions warrant more consistent playing time.
Trossard’s Impact: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since making the move to North London, Trossard has accumulated over 3,500 minutes on the pitch, split across various competitions. His versatility—able to play on both wings or as a false nine—has given Arteta multiple tactical options. But beyond just being a utility player, Trossard has proven his efficiency in attack.
According to *Het Nieuwsblad*, the Belgian international has been more decisive in front of goal compared to his main rival, Martinelli. Trossard has contributed a goal or an assist every 111 minutes, while Martinelli registers a goal involvement every 169 minutes. This stark contrast underlines Trossard’s clinical nature and knack for making the most of his time on the pitch.
Competition with Gabriel Martinelli
While both players are immensely talented, the debate over who should start more frequently is heating up. Martinelli’s explosive pace and dribbling skills have made him a key part of Arsenal’s attacking setup, particularly in Arteta’s high-pressing system. The Brazilian has clocked in more minutes than Trossard, showcasing his role as a first-choice winger.
However, Trossard’s efficiency and ability to change games when called upon raise an important question: should minutes play be the sole metric of contribution? His sharp eye for a pass and intelligent movement off the ball are qualities that complement Arsenal’s free-flowing attack, making him an indispensable asset—especially in high-pressure moments.
Arsenal’s Faith in Trossard
Despite his limited game time, Arsenal’s faith in Trossard is evident. Arteta is known to be a “real fan” of the Belgian, according to *Het Nieuwsblad*. Over the summer transfer window, clubs across Europe and beyond had their eyes on Trossard, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad making a lucrative offer. The Saudi Pro League club offered a €5 million loan fee and a €25 million obligation to buy, alongside a staggering €15 million annual salary—three times more than what Trossard currently earns at Arsenal.
Both the club and the player turned down the offer, underscoring their mutual commitment. Arteta blocked the transfer, keen to retain Trossard as a crucial part of his squad. Meanwhile, Trossard’s hunger, both financially and in sporting terms, has only grown, as he aims to secure more minutes on the field and contribute to Arsenal’s ongoing push for titles.
Looking Ahead: Trossard’s Future at Arsenal
Trossard’s current contract runs until 2026, leaving ample time for him to continue proving his worth to the club. Arsenal has yet to begin talks over a renewal, but the Belgian star’s form and attitude suggest that negotiations will likely take place shortly. With Trossard’s ambition to thrive at the highest level, both on a sporting and financial front, Arsenal will need to balance their squad carefully, ensuring the talented 29-year-old feels valued and involved.
Conclusion
Leandro Trossard has proven, time and again, that he is not just a squad player at Arsenal but a key contributor. His goal involvement ratio, tactical versatility, and professionalism make a compelling case for more game time. While Gabriel Martinelli’s rise is undeniable, *Het Nieuwsblad* is right in pointing out that Trossard’s clinical impact makes him a player Arteta cannot afford to overlook. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Belgian winger is granted the minutes he deserves, and whether he can elevate Arsenal’s attacking threat even further.