Arsenal star 'refuses to sign contract' as warning signs mount up for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta could be in danger of losing Leandro Trossard as the Arsenal utility man has reportedly left the club hanging after their latest round of contract talks. The Belgian, 30, is tied to the Emirates Stadium for two more years but Gunners chiefs want to reward his performances over the past two and a half seasons by boosting his pay packet.

It was reported that Trossard and Arsenal were in 'advanced' contract talks leading into the summer transfer window. But those discussions have so far failed to result in the former Brighton man signing on the dotted line.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal's latest offer, which would still only run until the summer of 2027 but would offer Trossard the chance to bank a higher weekly wage, 'remains unsigned'.

And that is one of several warning signs suggesting that Arteta could lose him this summer. The report adds that Trossard is waiting to see what opportunities the market brings, having previously been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

On top of that, Trossard has recently transferred to a new team of representatives. He is believed to have left his former agent, Josy Comhair, due to health reasons, but the change of environment still brings added uncertainty.

Trossard may also have concerns over his game time if he opts to stay in north London. He can play on either flank, up front or in midfield, and Arsenal have made signings in all three departments.

Noni Madueke is set to bring added competition out wide, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to slot in as Arteta's new central striker, and while midfield recruits Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi will occupy deeper roles than Trossard would, the rise to prominence of academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri is set to make minutes at No.10 harder to come by.

Trossard only netted once in his first half-season at Arsenal but he has kicked on in the two subsequent campaigns, racking up 17 goals across all competitions in 2023/24 - including 12 in the Premier League - and hitting double figures again last season.

Although he is not always the first name on the team sheet, Trossard is still a vital squad option for Arteta. He featured in all 38 Premier League matches last term and played 56 times, even without factoring in his international commitments with Belgium.