Besiktas End Laurienté Pursuit
Turkish giants Besiktas have officially abandoned their long-running pursuit of Armand Laurienté, a decision that has left Sassuolo and the French winger deeply frustrated. The Black Eagles had been in talks with the Neroverdi for weeks, but as Vincenzo Italiano’s side held firm on their valuation, Besiktas have instead turned their attention to a Premier League alternative.
With a move to the Besiktas now off the table, Laurienté faces an uncertain future. The 25-year-old had been keen on the switch, with sources close to the player indicating he viewed the Super Lig as the ideal next step in his career. Sassuolo, now under the guidance of new coach Alberto Aquilani, must decide whether to reintegrate the winger or find a new buyer before the window closes.
“We are disappointed with how things have developed, but we respect the market dynamics,” a Sassuolo spokesperson told Football Italia. “Armand remains an important player for us, and we will evaluate all options.”
Trossard Emerges as Primary Target
Instead, Besiktas are closing in on Leandro Trossard of Arsenal. The Belgian international, who has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, is available for a fee believed to be in the region of €20 million. Reports from Transfermarkt suggest a deal is progressing rapidly, with personal terms not expected to be a stumbling block.
The 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023, has seen his game time limited by the emergence of younger talents at the Emirates. A move to Istanbul would offer him regular first-team football and the chance to compete in European competitions, something that holds strong appeal.
Sassuolo and Player Left Frustrated
The sudden shift has caused understandable frustration at the Mapei Stadium. Armand Laurienté had been patient throughout the negotiations, even turning down a tentative approach from another unnamed European club in the hope of securing a dream move to Besiktas. Now, with pre-season underway, his preparations have been thrown into disarray.
Sassuolo, for their part, had been banking on the sale to help fund their own summer recruitment. The Serie A side are looking to rebuild under Aquilani and viewed the potential €15–18 million fee as crucial to balancing the books. With that revenue stream now closed for the time being, plans may need to be revised.
From Besiktas’ perspective, the move for Trossard represents a more immediate and proven option. The Belgian boasts extensive Premier League and international experience, and at €20m, is seen as excellent value in the current market.
Key Takeaways
- Besiktas drops Laurienté: The Turkish club have ended talks with Sassuolo for the French winger.
- Trossard close to €20m switch: Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard is set to join Besiktas in a deal worth around €20 million.
- Sassuolo frustration: The Serie A side are disappointed, having relied on the sale to fund their own market moves.
- Player’s future uncertain: Armand Laurienté must now weigh up his options after the collapsed transfer.
- Besiktas move quickly: The Black Eagles swiftly pivoted to Trossard, highlighting a clear transfer strategy shift.
Quick Facts
Armand Laurienté: 25-year-old French winger; joined Sassuolo in 2022; 36 Serie A appearances, 7 goals in 2025/26.
Leandro Trossard: 29-year-old Belgian international; at Arsenal since 2023; 24 Premier League games, 3 goals last season.
Besiktas: Finished 3rd in 2025/26 Süper Lig; seeking reinforcements for Champions League qualifying.
Transfer window: Turkish window closes later than most European leagues, allowing extra time for deals.