Aston Villa have begun formal discussions with Arsenal over a potential move for Leandro Trossard as the transfer market has taken another twist. Sources confirm that initial talks were held on Tuesday, with Villa looking to test the Gunners’ resolve regarding the Belgian international’s future.
Trossard has already been made aware of Aston Villa’s approach, and in a player-focused move, Arsenal are said to be leaving the final decision in his hands. The winger’s next step will depend on whether he sees his long-term ambitions better served in North London or Birmingham.
Not the First Time Villa Have Tried to Sign Trossard
This is not Aston Villa’s first attempt to lure Trossard to Villa Park. The Midlands club made a similar enquiry back in January, when Arsenal were in the middle of negotiating a new contract with the 29-year-old attacker. At that time, Arsenal firmly shut the door on a sale, confident they could tie him down to fresh terms.
That offer for a contract extension still remains on the table today, but progress towards a signature has been frustratingly slow. Talks have stalled, and the uncertainty has reopened the possibility of a summer exit.
For Villa, this renewed opportunity comes at an ideal time. The club are expected to have a significant budget boost from Jacob Ramsey’s imminent transfer to Newcastle United, and they are also listening to offers for Leon Bailey amid growing interest from abroad.
Arsenal’s Valuation and Transfer Market Interest
Arsenal are understood to value Trossard at around £18 million (€20.8m) — a figure well within reach for Aston Villa given their summer transfer resources. The Gunners’ valuation also reflects the fact that Trossard is in the final stages of his current deal and has yet to commit to an extension.
Importantly, Aston Villa are not the only club in the mix. Trossard is believed to be considering interest from multiple suitors, weighing the pros and cons of staying at Arsenal against the potential of being a more prominent figure elsewhere.
The winger’s proven Premier League record — combining creativity, versatility, and goal-scoring ability — makes him an appealing option for any side seeking immediate attacking reinforcements.
Brentford Join the Race for Belgian Star
As first reported by FootballTransfers, Brentford have also entered the race for Trossard. The Bees are actively looking for a reliable forward to strengthen their attack, particularly with Yoane Wissa pushing to leave for Newcastle.
Brentford’s interest underlines Trossard’s value in the market. His adaptability across multiple attacking roles — from left wing to false nine — offers tactical flexibility that Premier League managers crave. For Thomas Frank, Trossard could be the ready-made replacement to maintain Brentford’s offensive momentum should Wissa depart.
Still, Brentford face a significant challenge in matching Aston Villa’s financial strength and potential European ambitions, which could weigh heavily in Trossard’s final decision.
Arteta’s Preference and Arsenal’s Summer Dynamics
Earlier in the summer, it was revealed that Mikel Arteta would prefer to keep Trossard at the Emirates. The player has also expressed openness to staying, suggesting that there is still a possibility of fresh contract terms being agreed before the transfer window shuts.
However, Arsenal’s recent activity in the market has altered the landscape. New attacking signings have increased competition for starting spots, and Trossard may struggle to secure a guaranteed first-team role — a factor that could sway him towards a move.
For a player at the peak of his career, consistent minutes could be the deciding factor, and Aston Villa might be able to offer exactly that under Unai Emery’s system.
A Transfer Story to Watch in the Closing Weeks of the Window
With Aston Villa, Brentford, and potentially other unnamed clubs monitoring developments, Leandro Trossard’s future is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched transfer sagas of the final weeks of the summer window.
The coming days will be crucial. If Arsenal and Trossard cannot break the contract deadlock soon, the Gunners may decide to cash in now rather than risk losing him for free in the near future.
For Villa, the opportunity to add a creative and experienced Premier League attacker could be too good to pass up — especially if they finalise outgoing deals for Ramsey and Bailey. Brentford, meanwhile, remain ready to pounce if they can make a competitive offer and convince Trossard of their vision.
Whether he stays at Arsenal, heads to Villa Park, or opts for a fresh challenge elsewhere, Leandro Trossard’s transfer decision could have a ripple effect on the strategies of several Premier League clubs before the window closes.
