Jose Mourinho targets €20m Arsenal winger Trossard

Jose Mourinho is plotting another trademark transfer coup as he attempts to lure Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard to Fenerbahce for around €20 million this summer.

Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce’s urgent attacking rebuild

When Jose Mourinho accepted the Fenerbahce post in June, he inherited a squad light on goals and short on width. Allan Saint-Maximin’s loan return to Al-Ahli created an immediate vacancy on the flanks, while veteran captain Dusan Tadic walked away after his contract expired. The Portuguese coach, famed for quickly identifying proven performers, placed the Premier League at the top of his shopping list, and sources in both England and Turkey confirm that Trossard is now his No. 1 target.

Why Jose Mourinho believes Trossard is the perfect fit

Mourinho values versatility and work-rate above all else, and Trossard ticks both boxes. The Belgian can operate on either wing, behind the striker or even as a false nine, offering tactical flexibility that Mourinho prizes. Despite playing only 1,583 league minutes last season, Trossard produced eight Premier League goals and five assists—numbers that would instantly improve Fenerbahce’s output. Mourinho has also noted the 29-year-old’s Champions League experience, something few current Süper Lig forwards possess.

Arsenal’s stance: €20 million or no deal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta does not want to lose depth ahead of another title push, but the Gunners need to raise funds to balance their books after heavy spending on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Club insiders suggest that a bid in the region of €20 million would be enough to open formal negotiations. Mourinho is pushing Fenerbahce’s board to match that figure quickly before rival Premier League clubs circle.

Player openness to a Turkish switch

Trossard has enjoyed life in London yet is understood to be interested in a starring role rather than frequent substitute cameos. The Belgian international would become an automatic starter in Istanbul and could link up with compatriot Michy Batshuayi, who has recommended the passionate Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium atmosphere. Mourinho’s track record of revitalising experienced attackers—think Samuel Eto’o at Inter or Eden Hazard in his second Chelsea stint—also appeals to Trossard’s camp.

Financial hurdles Mourinho must overcome

Fenerbahce still have to navigate UEFA’s revised financial sustainability rules. Although their wage bill is modest compared to Europe’s elite, a €20 million outlay plus Trossard’s expected €4 million net salary requires careful planning. Mourinho has green-lit the sale of Joshua King and winger Ryan Kent to free up budget space. The club is also exploring a front-loaded sponsorship deal with a domestic telecom giant to help fund the move.

Potential knock-on effects for Arsenal

Should Arsenal part with Trossard, they are likely to accelerate interest in Wolves forward Pedro Neto or continue talks for Athletic Club star Nico Williams. Mourinho’s move could therefore spark a mini transfer domino effect across Europe. Arteta may also promote academy winger Reuell Walters or hand more minutes to Reiss Nelson if a replacement proves too costly.

Jose Mourinho’s transfer strategy: proven names over projects

Throughout his managerial career, Mourinho has prioritised players who can deliver immediately. His first Tottenham window brought in Pierre-Emile Højbjerg; at Roma he signed Nemanja Matić and Paulo Dybala; now, at Fenerbahce, Trossard represents the same blueprint. The Portuguese boss wants leaders who already understand top-level pressure, believing they accelerate dressing-room standards faster than untested prospects.

How Trossard would slot into Mourinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1

In Mourinho’s projected line-up, Trossard would occupy the left side of the attacking three, with Irfan Can Kahveci in the No. 10 role and Bright Osayi-Samuel wide right. Batshuayi or a new centre-forward would spearhead the attack. Trossard’s knack for drifting centrally dovetails with inverted full-back Ferdi Kadıoğlu, creating overloads that Mourinho’s tactical notebooks demand.

Fan reaction in Istanbul and North London

Fenerbahce supporters, starved of a league title since 2014, are desperate for a head-turning transfer. Turkish social media lit up when local outlet Fanatik broke the Trossard story, many fans praising Mourinho’s ambition. Arsenal fans are more conflicted: some believe cashing in makes sense given Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka’s starting roles, while others fear losing a clutch performer who scored key goals against Liverpool and Chelsea last term.

Opinion: A calculated Mourinho gamble worth taking

Jose Mourinho rarely misses when he backs a seasoned Premier League performer to lift a new squad. At €20 million, Trossard is hardly a bargain, but his immediate impact could prove priceless in a title race against Galatasaray and Beşiktaş. For Arsenal, the fee offers handy financial flexibility. All parties stand to gain—yet history tells us that when Mourinho really wants a player, he usually gets him.