Mikel Arteta just said Arsenal fans already knew about Leandro Trossard

If 2026 is finally going to be the year Arsenal land that elusive first Premier League title, Leandro Trossard appears likely to be a key figure.

The Belgian bagged his sixth goal of the season during Tuesday's 4-1 demolition of Aston Villa, lashing home the crucial third. That was Trossard's 35th goal for the Gunners, on top of 28 assists. This is the most goal involvement of any Arsenal player since his debut against Manchester United in January 2023. Fair to say, he has been a better signing than Mykhailo Mudryk would have been.

Despite now being 31 years old, 2025 was possibly Trossard's best year, one of the most productive attacking players in the Premier League. This assertion is supported by the numbers.

Premier League players with 17+ goal involvements in 2025

Only five players registered more Premier League goal involvements than Trossard throughout 2025. Two of these five have moved for £65 million+, or are about to, one was rewarded with a £400,000-per-week contract, one is Bruno Fernandes, and the other is Erling Haaland. This is to say that Trossard does not get the credit he deserves, even if he is certainly appreciated by his manager.

What Mikel Arteta said about Leandro Trossard pre-Bournemouth

Mikel Arteta held his pre-match press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday's visit to Bournemouth. When asked about Trossard, he was effusive in his praise for the Belgian:

"“I think he’s been very consistent, very stable, but as have all of the front players I would say, because they have contributed through the season so far in a great way, whether it’s starting or as an impact player. They’re in a great moment.”"

Mikel Arteta

Trossard has started each of Arsenal's last three Premier League matches on the left flank. This sequence is forecast to continue at Dean Court at the weekend, with the small matter of a clash against champions Liverpool to come next Thursday.

In the summer, the club rewarded Trossard with a pay rise, news that was met with much anger and disappointment at the time, with many supporters wanting to move on from the 31-year-old. Well, despite the presence of Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze, the Belgian remains first choice in attack and deservedly so, scoring crucial goals against Sunderland, Fulham, Spurs and now Aston Villa.

It has long been agreed by most fans that Trossard is the club's best finisher, always contributing whether starting or indeed during his period as a super sub. At centre-forward, with Viktor Gyökeres struggling to acclimatise, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are only just back following long-term injuries, Trossard's goals from out-wide are proving invaluable.