Andy Townsend Questions Arsenal’s Decision to Sell Leandro Trossard

Andy Townsend has questioned Arsenal‘s decision to part ways with Leandro Trossard after the Belgian winger completed a permanent move to Besiktas last month.

Trossard had become an important option for Mikel Arteta, particularly when Arsenal needed an experienced attacker capable of making an impact from the bench. Townsend believes the Gunners could regret allowing the versatile forward to leave for what he considers poor value.

Arsenal have since added another left winger in Christos Tzolis, while reports have also linked Gabriel Martinelli with a potential departure. Galatasaray have reportedly shown interest in the Brazilian, although Arsenal could retain him if the club does not receive a significant transfer fee.

Andy Townsend Questions Trossard Transfer

Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend said he could understand Arsenal considering a sale of Martinelli if the club received a substantial offer. However, he was far less convinced by the decision to allow Trossard to leave.

“It’s not like they’re wanting Martinelli to necessarily go, I don’t think that is ever going to be the case. However, if they got proper money for him then, yeah, they might be prepared to trade.”

The former Chelsea midfielder highlighted the importance of refreshing a squad while also maintaining enough proven quality to compete across a long season.

“But who do they go to? Losing Leandro Trossard for the money that they lost him for… I think that was a slightly strange one in some ways because he was always good value for a really important goal, he was a clever player coming off the bench, always wanting to affect the game.”

Trossard’s ability to operate in several attacking positions made him a useful tactical option for Arteta. His experience also provided Arsenal with an alternative to their younger attacking players.

Townsend Doubts Arsenal Should Pay £145 Million for Bradley Barcola

Arsenal have reportedly been linked with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after their interest in Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior became more difficult following the Brazilian’s new long-term contract.

Reports have suggested that PSG could demand around £145 million for Barcola. Townsend believes that valuation is far too high and questioned whether the French winger would represent a significant improvement over Martinelli.

“I totally got going for Vini Jr but I don’t get going for just another one. I don’t see Barcola at the levels others do. I don’t see him at anything like that sort of money.”

Townsend also compared Barcola with other high-profile young attackers and argued that the PSG star does not currently offer enough end product to justify such a huge investment.

“I think he is way behind (Kvicha) Kvaratskhelia and (Desire) Doue. Personally, I think they are far better players. I don’t think he’s got the end product in his game to warrant £140m-odd, no chance. I don’t think I’d swap Martinelli for him.”

Martinelli Still Has a Future at Arsenal

Martinelli remains under contract with Arsenal for the 2026-27 season, although the Brazilian is reportedly entering the final 12 months of his current deal. Arsenal also have an option to extend his contract by another year.

Townsend believes Martinelli’s Premier League experience should be taken into consideration before Arsenal decide whether to replace him with another expensive attacking signing.

“Honestly, I think Martinelli knows this division, has proven himself to be a valuable member of Arsenal’s team. And I don’t see it’s that much of a massive trade-up for the sort of money that they’d need to invest in him.”

The situation leaves Arsenal with an important decision to make. The club must balance squad development with the need to retain proven Premier League performers while ensuring any major transfer represents genuine value.

Townsend Predicts Big Season for Arsenal’s Youngsters

Arsenal have also shown a willingness to give opportunities to young players, with Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri among the academy graduates attracting significant attention.

The Gunners suffered a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their latest pre-season fixture, with Nwaneri getting on the scoresheet. Despite the result, Townsend believes both youngsters could play important roles during the 2026-27 campaign.

“It’ll be interesting to see if they are really active now in that position or whether or not they’re prepared to go with what they have. Max Dowman, it’s a big season for him coming up and Ethan Nwaneri, these boys.”

Nwaneri made his senior Arsenal debut in 2022, while Dowman rose to prominence last season after becoming the youngest player to feature in Premier League history at 15 years and 235 days, with Nwaneri previously holding the record.

Arsenal Face Key Decisions Before the New Season

With the 2026-27 season approaching, Arsenal’s attacking options remain an area of focus. The departures of experienced players, potential interest in Martinelli and links with expensive targets such as Barcola could significantly reshape Arteta’s forward line.

Townsend’s comments underline the central question facing Arsenal: whether to spend heavily on another high-profile winger or trust established players and emerging academy talents to deliver.

For Arsenal, the coming weeks could therefore prove decisive in determining the balance between proven Premier League quality, expensive new arrivals and the club’s highly rated young generation.