Brighton’s 28 year-old winger has been linked towards Arsenal in the past week.
After Arsenal’s failed pursuit of now-Chelsea player Mykhaylo Mudryk, the Gunners are looking for alternatives to bolster their attack. One of those is Belgium international Leandro Trossard, who was named in Belgium’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Trossard’s fall-out with Brighton has been highly publicised by both parties; manager Roberto De Zerbi forcing Trossard to train separately from the main squad and publicly stating he told the player he doesn’t like his attitude.
Trossard’s camp has since released a statement; most significantly, it states De Zerbi “indicated that a transfer is the best solution”.
Official statement by Leandro Trossard agent Josy Comhair after Belgian star excluded for next game by Roberto de Zerbi 🔵🇧🇪 #BHAFC
“The manager humiliated Leandro in the group — also he indicated that a transfer is the best solution” ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/iVhbjKp04j
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2023
As per the Evening Standard, Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign the Belgium. Fabrizio Romano has followed this up since.
❗️🥇Arsenal have been offered Trossard from Brighton. [standard]
— GoonerViews (@GoonerViews) January 16, 2023
Trossard is also of interest to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with a price of around £25 million quoted. This price may be unrealistic for Brighton to obtain, as the player is 28 years old and is being forced out of the club.
Spurs have reportedly had a £12 million verbal bid rejected, as per The Athletic and David Ornstein.
So, what would the winger bring to Arsenal, should they move forward with a potential transfer?
Trossard is known to be a versatile player; this season, he has played on the left wing, as a number 10, and even as a centre forward. Additionally, it is known that he can play on the right flank as well. This would provide much needed depth for Arsenal’s attack; especially for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, however he can fill in for Eddie Nketiah in some instances as well, while Gabriel Jesus remains injured.
The winger has 10 G/A (7 goals) in 16 appearances this season for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League. Trossard is an extremely good finisher with both feet. It is easy to see why Mikel Arteta may be a fan of the Belgian; often using intricate play and dropping somewhat deep to receive the ball.
Trossard strengths are best represented in Brighton’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool in October; where he bagged a hat-trick at Anfield. His finishing with his weaker foot was evident in this game; all 3 goals coming from his weaker left foot.
The highlights from today's 3-3 draw against Brighton at Anfield 📽 pic.twitter.com/TXz5hn1KHu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 1, 2022
Trossard began the game on the left side of a front 3, in a 3-4-3 formation. However, his versatility was evident from the first minute. On the second goal, we can see former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck occupying a wider position, leading Trossard to position himself through the middle.
The Belgian then moved towards the right side later on in the game, where he once again scores, despite being played in a different position yet again.
The winger being able to play anywhere in the front 3 can be nothing but a positive should Mikel Arteta decide to ramp up his pursuit for Trossard.
Trossard is very comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas, using his trickery to skip away from multiple challenges.
It may be worth noting that when deploying him at centre forward, he will provide a dynamic more similar to Gabriel Jesus than Nketiah; drifting out to the wide spaces and acting as more of a facilitator than a poacher.
Overall, Trossard seems like a smart signing on paper in most aspects, due to his versatility which will be admired by Arteta and having been in good form for the past 2 seasons. Undoubtedly, he would bring goals to Arsenal and bolster their depth, and the final price may be relatively low, especially in comparison to Arsenal’s main target, Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has cost Chelsea up to €100 million. Some Arsenal fans may question how wise a potential transfer may be; as previously mentioned, the winger is already 28 years of age. It may be difficult for Arteta to get more than 2 to 3 high-quality years from the Belgian. However, it is a relatively low-risk signing and having already adjusted to the Premier League, it makes matters easier as there will be little-to-no adaptation period.
