Wow, guys, let's talk about something that's been the talk of North London this season! 🤯 Playing for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, a team that's constantly battling at the very top of the Premier League, is no joke. It demands absolute dedication, and let me tell you, Leandro Trossard's physical transformation over the last year is living proof of that. It shows just how focused the club and Arteta are on keeping players in peak condition, not just during the season, but all year round. It's a whole new level of professionalism!

Remember when we signed him from Brighton for that smart £27 million fee back in January 2023? ✍️ He was brought in to add something different to our attack, a bit of that unpredictable magic. And while he wasn't always the first name on the team sheet initially, my goodness, has he evolved! Fast forward to now, and with 144 appearances, 34 goals, and 28 assists for the Gunners, he's become absolutely pivotal. But the real story of 2025? The muscle. The power. The new Leandro Trossard.

This is the guy who started his career at Genk, known for being a tricky, dainty winger who could weave through defenses with ease. Born in Maasmechelen, Belgium, and now on the other side of 30, 'stocky' was never a word you'd use to describe him. Until now. 😲 I think everyone at the club, from the staff to us fans, was genuinely stunned during pre-season. The photos and videos showed a completely different athlete—a far more muscular, powerful version of the 31-year-old Belgian international (who now has 50 caps, by the way!).

The evidence isn't just visual, though. The players are talking about it too! In a recent interview, our rock at the back, Gabriel Magalhães, was asked who the biggest 'beast' in the Arsenal squad is. He first mentioned Kai Havertz (another secret gym monster 💪), but then he specifically praised Trossard for his relentless work behind the scenes in the gym. When your teammates, especially the defenders, are calling you out for your strength, you know you've done something right!

This conditioning work clearly shows Trossard is taking his personal preparation deadly seriously. He wants to cement himself as the go-to option on the left flank. Looking at the 2025/26 stats so far, he's played 13 times in the Premier League (878 minutes), starting nine of those games. The other four appearances saw him come off the bench, often to replace Gabriel Martinelli and make a real impact. That versatility is pure gold for Arteta.

And the boss himself is a huge fan. Arteta recently said about him: "I think he’s been very consistent, very stable, but as have all the front players... they have contributed through the season so far in a great way, whether it’s starting or whether as an impact player as well." That's the ultimate praise—being labeled reliable and consistent by a perfectionist like Mikel. 🙌

So, what does this mean for the team? Once he's fully back and firing from his recent spell out, is he a shoo-in on the left? His brilliant left foot means he can whip in pinpoint deliveries for our main man up top, whether that's Viktor Gyökeres or anyone else leading the line. His two-footedness is such an underrated weapon, and now combined with this new-found physical power, he's a nightmare for any full-back.

Let's break down why this transformation matters so much:

• Durability: More muscle can mean better injury resistance in the brutal Premier League grind.

• Physical Battles: He can now hold off defenders, shield the ball, and compete in aerial duels he might have lost before.

• Mental Edge: Transforming your body shows incredible dedication. It screams, "I want to be a starter here," and that attitude is infectious.

Many thought he was just a squad player when he arrived. But Trossard himself clearly never saw it that way. He came ready to fight for a place, and now, in 2026, he's not just fighting with skill, but with a physique built for the very top. His surly determination, paired with this new power, is only a positive for Arsenal's title ambitions this season. Watch this space! 🔴⚪

P.S. It's also a reminder of how the game is evolving. Players are extending their peak years through insane dedication to fitness and nutrition. Trossard at 31 is potentially entering his most complete phase as a player. How exciting is that for us Gooners? 🥳