Mikel Arteta says exit-linked Arsenal star who was 'forbidden' from leaving

Mikel Arteta is not surprised to see one of his players shine this season (Picture: Getty Images)

Leandro Trossard was heavily linked with an Arsenal exit over the summer but Mikel Arteta says it was never going to happen as he was ‘forbidden’ from leaving.

The Belgian was touted as a possible signing for clubs including Bayern Munich and Besiktas over the always-hectic summer transfer window.

Arsenal strengthened significantly in attacking areas, with Viktor Gyokeres , Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke coming in and it was thought that Trossard could be the one to make way.

However, the 30-year-old remained in north London and has been an important player for the Gunners this season, already making 14 appearances and scoring four goals.

The former Brighton man started the game and opened the scoring in a comprehensive 4-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, further proving his worth to his manager.

Not that Arteta needed any more proof, as the Spaniard says he made it clear in the transfer window that there was no way Trossard should be sold.

‘For me it was forbidden for him to leave. No chance,’ said Arteta of Trossard. ‘I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he’s a player that is going to make a difference for us.

Leandro Trossard out Arsenal ahead 36 minutes into the north London derby (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It was one of the best games [from Trossard for Arsenal], so aggressive with and without the ball, so effective, he could have scored another one or two goals, and he was involved in so many positive actions.

‘So that’s what we need. As I said, I think individually, the players were excellent today.’

After Trossard scored it was Eze who stole the show with a superb hat-trick, the first scored in a north London derby since 1978.

The pass from Mikel Merino, the finish from Leandro Trossard! 😍 pic.twitter.com/CfWb1Ma5la — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 23, 2025

The England star came close to joining Spurs in the summer before signing for Arsenal and he showed Tottenham exactly what they missed out on.

After the three excellent goals, Arteta praised his player’s work rate and desire to progress, with competition for places fierce at Arsenal.

‘Things happen for a reason. And after the international duty, he had two days off, and after one day he wanted to train,’ said the manager. ‘And he wanted to improve, and he wanted to do extra practice. And he was asking me questions about this and that.

Eberechi Eze scored a sensational hat-trick on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)

‘When a player has such a talent, and his desire is at that level, then these things happen. And he fully deserves it.

‘I’m so happy for him because it’s the day that he came, he brought something else to the team. It’s a joy, it’s an aura that this team needed, and hopefully it will give him a lot of confidence in him and the team, that at any moment he can win us a game.

‘And that’s the ability that he has, and he certainly needs to fulfil that talent.’

@metrosportuk Eze owns North London 🔴 Arsenal beat Tottenham 4-1 in the first North London Derby of the season thanks to an Eberechi Eze hat-trick and a Leandro Trossard goal. The Gunners are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League, and seven ahead of Manchester City. #arsenal #tottenham #northlondonderby #premierleague #eze ♬ original sound – Metro Sport

Piero Hincapie delivered an assured performance in his first league start (Picture: Getty)

Wilson Odobert struggled down the Spurs left (Picture: Getty)

After scoring three goals which helped fired Arsenal to a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Eze told the BBC: ‘That is crazy. Special day man. Special day for me, my family.

‘I don’t think I could’ve ever dreamt of it. This is more special than that. I can only thank God. Special day, man.