Premier League: Why Arsenal Improved Trossard’s Contract Without Extending

An explanation has now been given as to how and why Arsenal decided to hand winger Leandro Trossard a new contract without extending the length of the deal. It was announced on Tuesday that the Belgian had put pen to paper on a new deal that handed him a pay rise, but didn’t actually extend his stay at the Emirates, with his new agreement still expiring in 2027—the same as his previous one.

There had been speculation that Trossard may have been allowed to leave the Gunners this summer if a suitable offer was made, and the sudden nature of the deal led to suggestions that Arsenal acted after finding out about Kai Havertz’s injury. But a new report has put out the flames on that theory and explained why that couldn’t have been the case.

Why Trossard Was Allowed New Contract

According to a report from The Athletic, Premier League rules state that clubs can only improve a player’s wages without extending their contract before the competitive season kicks off. Once the season starts, any contract change that boosts salary must also include a longer term.

This puts to bed the idea that the Gunners acted after finding out about Havertz’s injury, as Mikel Arteta’s side had already played their first Premier League game of the season against Manchester United the Sunday prior. In fact, the change was agreed upon before the start of the season.

As for the reason why, improved performance and growing importance had led to the former Brighton man putting pressure on securing a new deal.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Prior to his new contract, Trossard ranked as the 17th-highest earner at Arsenal, behind the likes of Reiss Nelson, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Arsenal have made it clear all along that they wouldn’t be offering the forward a contract extension, largely due to his age — he turns 31 in December — and the fact he still has plenty of time left on his current deal.

At one point, though, the club did indicate they’d be open to reviewing his wages to reflect his increasing influence in the squad. The decision to increase his salary now is partly about following through on that promise, but also a recognition of his strong performances and a move to bring his pay in line with other senior players.