Arsenal could’ve signed ‘outstanding’ star for £15m, now he could reportedly replace Saint-Maximin at Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are plotting a move to sign one-time Arsenal target Leandro Trossard, with Allan Saint-Maximin set to leave the club.

The Magpies have well and truly turned their season around under Eddie Howe. They were the favourites to go down a few months ago, but an impressive change in fortune sees them 15th in the league table now, 10 points above the relegation zone.

It’s definitely not over yet but Newcastle look like they will manage to survive. That puts the focus on the upcoming summer transfer window and it looks like they are working on possible deals already.

A wide player seems to be the priority at the moment and Howe has a few options, including Trossard, who scored a really good goal against Arsenal just a few days ago.

• Report: £65m player actually prefers a move to Arsenal or Tottenham – even though Guardiola wants him

Leandro Trossard in, Allan Saint-Maximin out for Newcastle

The report claims that Newcastle have added Brighton’s Belgian star Trossard to their transfer shortlist.

The talented 27-year-old, who joined Brighton for £15 million from Genk (Sky Sports), has been at the club for almost three years now. He’s brilliant on the ball, can dribble past multiple players and most importantly, he can score and create goals.

The report claims that Newcastle’s interest in a new wide player is because Saint-Maximin, who is arguably their best player, is expected to leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.

It is claimed that the Magpies will use the money they get from his sale to bring in a replacement, and Trossard, along with Brennan Johnson and Moussa Diaby, are on Howe’s wish list.

• Report: Dortmund are now eyeing ‘sensational’ PL striker Arteta wants at Arsenal amid Haaland speculation

Arsenal could’ve signed Trossard for just £15m

Trossard, branded as ‘outstanding’ by Alan Shearer, was a real star at Belgian side Genk a few years ago and he was linked with a whole host of top clubs, including Arsenal.

In the summer of 2019, the Gunners, then under Unai Emery, were desperate to sign a wide player. Wilfried Zaha dominated the headlines, while Nicolas Pepe became the chosen one in the end.

However, Arsenal were reportedly keen to sign Trossard as well, who was then available for just £15 million, the same fee Brighton signed him for. The Belgian later revealed in an interview that he even held talks with the Gunners over a potential move.

“I was in conversations with Arsenal. (But) a move to Arsenal or Atlético Madrid might not have been the right one,” he told Nieuwsblad two years ago.

• Report: Arteta calls up 5 youngsters to Arsenal training pre-Saints, including ‘outstanding’ full-back