The ‘stubborn’ Arsenal ace who could replace Martin Odegaard v Tottenham

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Arsenal have a huge game this weekend as they head to Tottenham Hotspur for the first North London derby of the season.

The Gunners made a bright start to the Premier League season with two consecutive wins, but they then dropped two points just before the international break.

Arsenal could only draw 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion in a game that also saw midfielder Declan Rice controversially sent off.

In addition, Mikel Merino is injured and captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss out too after he picked up an injury on Norway duty.

The debate over who could replace Odegaard has been raging since Monday night, with Mikel Arteta having a tough call to make.

Now, GiveMeSport have reported that a “stubborn” player has put himself firmly in contention after seemingly kicking up a fuss over his role in the squad.

Leandro Trossard in running for Arsenal starting spot at Tottenham

The player in question is Leandro Trossard, and GiveMeSport sources are “convinced that he is in the thinking for this game.”

Arteta is aware that Trossard was frustrated at missing out on a spot in the Arsenal starting XI in the first two games of the season.

His goal in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa in late August drew a muted celebration, potentially a case of him letting his feelings known at not being a first-team starter.

Trossard believes that he deserves more of a chance in the first-team, is unhappy at being excluded, and is thought to have a ‘stubborn streak’ in him, added the report.

The forward ‘wants to play in the big games and make an impact’, and Arteta seems to like the player’s desire to feature from the off, putting him firmly in contention for the game.

Trossard could potentially replace Odegaard at No. 10, go on the left instead of Gabriel Martinelli, or even play up front instead of Gabriel Jesus.

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Trossard in line to become even more of a fan favourite at Arsenal

It’s good to hear that Trossard has put himself in contention for a starting spot against Tottenham.

Trossard has been a great acquisition for Arsenal, very much a case of £27million well spent thanks to his crucial contributions time and time again.

If he shines against Tottenham, he’ll become even more of a fan favourite among the Gunners faithful.