Leandro Trossard has rubbished reports he was close to leaving Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Rumours began to circulate linking the Belgian with a move away from the club after Turkish side Besiktas reportedly lodged a £19million offer for his services. Arsenal’s decisions to sign more forwards in Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke only accelerated the rumour mill.
Trossard, who moved up from Brighton in 2023, has appeared in five of the Gunners’ seven Premier League matches this season, starting only three, but is adamant there was never any chance he would move on.
“There are always rumours like that,” he said from Belgium’s training camp. “Leaving has never really been an option. I feel very good at Arsenal.
"At the beginning of the season, I struggled a bit with an injury. I think those rumours arose because of the lack of minutes."
Trossard has since shaken off a groin injury and says he is back to full fitness ahead of Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales - both must win matches as they look to escape a congested qualifying group.
“I’ve had some good weeks,” he continued.
"I'm finally a fit footballer again, a player in top form. I'm very happy about that.
“I've played a lot in recent weeks, I've done my thing, and I feel good about that."
North Macedonia currently sit top of the pile in World Cup qualifying Group J, one point clear of Belgium and Wales. The Red Devils have a game in hand, though, and are well placed to end the October international break in top spot.
