Why Arsenal adjusted Trossard’s contract and what Havertz injury and Eze mean for Belgian

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It has been a dramatic week for Arsenal’s attack. Kai Havertz has sustained an injury, the prognosis of which remains uncertain, and Arsenal have responded by hijacking Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Eberechi Eze.

Elsewhere, after a summer of speculation over his future, The Athletic revealed on Tuesday that Leandro Trossard has reached an agreement over a contract adjustment. The 30-year-old has received a pay rise, but his deal has not been extended, and will still expire in 2027.

On the face of it, the decision to increase Trossard’s pay without extending his contract is an unusual one. Arsenal are increasing the outlay on the player, without extending their protection over him as an asset.

Here, The Athletic looks at why Arsenal went ahead with Trossard’s revamped contract, and what Havertz’s injury and Eze’s impending arrival mean for the Belgian.

Why have Arsenal decided to take this step with Trossard?

The first thing to say is that Trossard’s contract change is unrelated to Havertz’s injury: it was agreed before the start of the Premier League campaign.

The contract Trossard signed when he joined in 2023 was for four years until 2027, with the club holding the option of an additional year.

Trossard has exceeded expectations, making a bigger contribution than many anticipated. Over two and a half seasons, he has made 92 Premier League appearances, scoring 21 goals and making 18 assists. A player originally signed to round out the squad has frequently been in the first XI.

Given his performance levels, Trossard has been angling for improved terms. Arsenal have been adamant throughout, however, that they would not be prepared to extend Trossard’s contract due to his age. He turns 31 in December, and has considerable time remaining on his existing deal.

The club did suggest at one stage they would be prepared to reassess Trossard’s remuneration to reflect his increased importance. The decision to bump up his pay is partly about honouring that commitment, but also about rewarding him for his performance level and aligning his contract more closely with other senior players.

Trossard has exceeded expectations at Arsenal (Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Why has Trossard’s contract change happened now?

Arsenal have been in talks with Trossard about improved payment terms for some time. The Athletic reported on those conversations in May.

The delay is partly explained by Trossard’s decision to change agents midway through the summer transfer window. That inevitably held up the process.

Arsenal and Trossard were both open to exploring the transfer market. With Arsenal clear they would not extend Trossard’s deal, it was in his interests to listen to offers from elsewhere.

Equally, Arsenal recognised this would be a reasonable time to sell Trossard, if a suitable offer arrived, and they could source an appropriate replacement. Throughout the summer, Arsenal have been open to renewing their options at left wing, and were prepared to listen to offers for either Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli.

There was, however, a clock ticking on the Trossard decision. Premier League rules dictate that “amending” a player’s contract — ie, improving their salary without lengthening the term — is only possible before the start of the competitive season.

Section T.26 of the Premier League handbook states: “A club shall be at liberty at any time to reach agreement with a Contract Player to amend the terms of his contract. If such an agreement increases the Contract Player’s remuneration, then, unless the agreement is made in the Close Season, it shall be a term thereof that the Contract Player’s current contract is extended by a minimum of one year.”

If Arsenal were going to amend Trossard’s contract, they needed to do it before the Manchester United game on the Premier League’s opening weekend. Following the guidelines, the deal was ratified before the season kicked off.

With no clear sign of an impending buyer for either Martinelli or Trossard, Arsenal and Trossard agreed to go ahead with the contract amendment.

There is no clear sign of an impending buyer for Martinelli (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

For the player, it is a no-brainer: he improves his salary without committing to a longer deal. The security of a longer contract might have appealed but he may be just two years away from a potentially lucrative free transfer. Whatever the long-term future holds for Trossard, he is assured of improved earnings in the short term.

From Arsenal’s perspective, it puts to bed something that has been a point of discussion for some time. They want to recognise Trossard’s value and believe this arrangement will satisfy him. Arsenal want a motivated group of players who feel their contribution will be recognised.

It also offered some clarity around Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. Throughout the process, the manager has pushed for Trossard. He rates him highly and believes he can be a useful contributor this season.

What do Havertz’s injury and Eze’s impending arrival mean for Trossard?

Trossard’s contract adjustment does not entirely preclude a departure in this window — Arsenal would still have to consider any enticing offers for a player of his age.

There are, however, no significant developments regarding an imminent sale, and the current expectation is that he will remain in north London.

Arteta may be especially glad to have the Belgium international at his disposal, given Havertz’s injury. Arsenal face an anxious wait for a prognosis. With Havertz potentially set for a spell on the sidelines, Trossard’s experience and versatility could be useful.

When Havertz got injured, Arsenal discussed a variety of options. They knew their attack needed a boost, and considered potential signings at No 9, central attacking midfield, and on the left flank. Signing another centre-forward presented difficulties: they have already invested heavily in Viktor Gyokeres and Havertz, who they will hope will return before too long. They also have Gabriel Jesus still to come back after his anterior cruciate ligament injury in January.

They quickly decided Eze was the right profile. With the England international able to play from the left, or as an attacking midfielder, it potentially frees up Trossard and Mikel Merino to operate as emergency strikers and cover for Havertz’s absence.

(Top photos: Getty Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

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