Arsenal transfer news: Kaveh Solhekol shares Leandro Trossard verdict

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal have all-but clinched the signing of Leandro Trossard from Brighton, according to multiple reports.

The likes of Sky Sports, BBC Sport and Fabrizio Romano say the Gunners have agreed a deal for the 28-year-old.

Arsenal will reportedly pay an initial £20million for Trossard, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to £27million.

The Belgium international is now expected to have a medical with the Premier League leaders ahead of joining.

According to a recent tweet from Romano, Trossard will pen a contract until the summer of 2026.

Arsenal spent much of the month in talks over Mykhaylo Mudryk, but he opted to join Chelsea instead.

The Gunners quickly moved on, focusing on one of Brighton’s best players of the past few years.

Trossard has fallen out with new manager Roberto De Zerbi, which paved the way for Arsenal to make a move.

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol discussed the deal on The Transfer Show (19/1/23, 17:20).

He believes Arsenal have made a “fantastic” signing, while Brighton have also got themselves a good deal.

“Brighton always get big money for the players they sell,” Solhekol said.

“There’s been an issue with Trossard since he came back from the World Cup – something hasn’t been right.

“I think the Brighton head coach has dealt with this brilliantly, he has been really firm.

“I think Trossard will prove to be a good signing for Arsenal and they need another forward.

“He’s someone who can play on the left, on the right, as a false nine as well.

“He’s a fantastic signing for Arsenal at a sensible price, but a good deal for Brighton as well.

“Yet again, Brighton have proved that if you want to leave the club and you have a contract, you can only leave Brighton on the club’s terms, and not your own.”

A smart signing for Arsenal

Fair play to Arsenal for quickly switching attention to another player after the Mudryk saga and getting a deal over the line.

Trossard is indeed a great acquisition for the Gunners.

He’s an incredibly talented player, is in his prime years, proven in the Premier League, and has joined for less than a third of Mudryk’s price.

Arsenal needed to strengthen their attacking ranks, not overhaul them, and Trossard fits the bill well.