Arsenal have moved in quickly for Brighton’s wantaway winger Leonardo Trossard, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Trossard recently had a fallout with his manager Roberto De Zerbi, which led to the winger demanding a move away from the Amex Stadium this month itself. The Belgian’s talent needs no new introduction having terrorised the Liverpool defense with his hat-trick at the Anfield in a 3-3 draw earlier this season.
As a result, many clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham had circled around Brighton, who were ready to facilitate his exit. Although a key player in their resurgence in the post-Potter era, the relationship between Trossard and De Zerbi is openly cut slit and as a result, curable. The tensions peaked last week, after the 28-year-old left Brighton’s training session without informing the manager or the club authorities after he found out that he was not starting against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.
‘Personal terms agreed!’ – Arsenal rushing Leonardo Trossard deal
Arsenal have already lost a highly-rated winger in Mykhaylo Mudryk after Chelsea scooped him for £88m, an evaluation the Gunners were unwilling to meet. As a result, their months of negotiations collapsed in a few hours as the Blues completed a transfer for the Shakhtar talent on a 8-year-contract. Arsenal were left scrambled once again after missing out on one of their priority targets.
However, they are taking bigger strides now, as they are on the verge of completing a move for Leonardo Trossard. Arsenal share a brilliant relationship with Brighton, having signed Ben White from them for a staggering £50m back in the summer of 2021. They are building on it now as both the player and the Gunners are pushing for a move. Since he wants out as soon as possible, Brighton have reportedly accepted a fee in the range of £20m. Fabrizio Romano revealed in series of tweets:
“EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have opened talks to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, negotiations are advanced with official bid ready for permanent move. Been told talks are very advanced as Arsenal are prepared to close the deal in the next hours. Not early stages but progressing fast for permanent move. Full agreement reached on personal terms, it will be long-term contract for Trossard.”
Many have touted Arsenal’s swoop in for Trossard as an upgrade on Mudryk given the Belgian’s 3.5 years’ experience in England after joining Brighton in 2019 from Genk. He has made 121 appearances for the Seagulls so far, registering 25 goals and 14 assists. Trossard further has contributed an impressive 7 goals and 3 assists in 16 Premier League games so far, including *that* hat-trick at Anfield. De Zerbi shared latest updates on the winger’s situation after Brighton’s 3-0 win over Liverpool, as he said:
“I want to be clear about Trossard. I’m sorry for the situation. I don’t think I’ve made a mistake with him. The people inside Brighton know very well the situation. I’m fine with myself and I’m ready to open the doors for him, because he’s a good guy and a very important player for us. He changes the team, but he has to understand and to work with my attitude, in my way, because I am the coach, I decide the rules inside the dressing room, only this.”