EPL: Arteta blocked Arsenal star from leaving Emirates

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, intervened to ensure that forward Leandro Trossard remained at the club amid interest from the Saudi Pro League in the summer.

Arsenal were determined to keep hold of Trossard after Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad explored a loan move for the player towards the end of the summer transfer window.

However, according to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Arteta is a ‘real fan’ of Trossard and ‘blocked’ him from making the move, with Arsenal expected to offer the player a bumper new contract in due course.

Al-Ittihad proposed a £4.1m loan deal, with an obligation to buy Trossard at £21 million, while offering Trossard a £12.5 million-a-year wage packet which was three times his current salary.

Recall that Trossard completed a £20 million move from Brighton to Arsenal in January 2023.

The Belgian has scored 19 goals in 74 appearances for the Premier League North London club.