Arsenal rejected secret transfer approach for Mikel Arteta star after Eberechi Eze call

In the final week of the summer transfer window, Arsenal received a late enquiry for attacker Leandro Trossard. The Belgian had recently signed new terms with the Gunners and although his contract wasn't formally extended, he was given a pay-rise to reflect his importance within Mikel Arteta's squad.

Roma were the interested party and the Italian club were keen to find out whether the 30-year-old would be available following the £67.5million signing of Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. The conversation didn't progress very far, which is why there was little speculation in the media about Roma's interest in the versatile forward.

Since Arsenal turned down a bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for Trossard's services in September 2024, the Belgian international has often been suggested as a player who could leave the Emirates Stadium for a new challenge.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce were interested in him during the summer and several clubs from the Saudi Pro League had kept an eye on his situation but Arteta never once actively considered letting him go.

Not only was the Spaniard's faith in the former Brighton forward reflected in the terms of his new deal, but it's also been shown in his playing time this season, having started each of Arsenal's past seven Premier League matches.

Whilst Gabriel Martinelli remains out with a groin problem, Trossard has cemented his position as the Gunners' preferred left-sided forward and based on his recent performances, he will be difficult to dislodge.

Trossard is thought to be a composed professional who remains unaffected by external pressures. Rather, he embraces his supporting role as one of the understated stars of Arsenal's title-challenging side.

Following Trossard's goal off the bench in a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in August 2024, Arteta praised his mentality, saying: "When you don't get picked, there are certain ways to react.

"Leo is upset, but he is upset and shows on the pitch how good he is - not upset and comes in and reacts badly. That is a huge quality. Then, when you put him in the starting line-up, he does exactly the same thing."

The summer proved difficult for Trossard after a third consecutive runner-up finish in the Premier League.

Longtime representative Josy Comhair, who had guided the Belgian throughout his entire professional journey, was forced to end their working relationship due to health concerns. The 30-year-old subsequently joined German agency DH Sports and Entertainment.

A significant proportion of Arsenal's supporters had also begun to question whether it was time to bid farewell to Trossard, but he has consistently silenced his critics, already notching up four goals and four assists in all competitions this season, including Saturday's stunner at Sunderland.

His two Premier League goals alone have earned Arsenal three invaluable top-flight points after he also netted the winning goal in the 1-0 win over Fulham last month.

Players like Trossard, who was a bargain £21million acquisition from Brighton in January 2023, are priceless during the intensity of a title race, especially when you're also battling for results in Europe and domestic cups.

By the end of the season, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta's joint decision to retain the lethal forward might just turn out to be one of their most crucial pieces of transfer business. The secret transfer strategy rejected by Arsenal is already worth three Premier League points.