Arsenal are in talks with Brighton over the signing of loan forward Leandro Trossard after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea.
The Gunners have not made an official offer for the Belgian forward, but are expected to formalize their initial interest in a bid.
Brighton will not sell one of their star players unless chairman Tony Bloom’s valuation is met, despite public calls for the 28-year-old to leave the club.
Tottenham have already rejected a bid for Trossard, and are pursuing Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo instead.
Trossard has entered the final six months of his contract at Brighton, but the Seagulls have the option to extend his existing deal by a further year.
Trossard wants to leave Brighton De Serbi: I don’t like his attitude
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Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi explained why he planned to leave Trossard out against Liverpool on Saturday
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi first confirmed that Trossard would not be in the Albion squad for the visit of Liverpool last week after displaying a poor attitude in training.
The 28-year-old has not played for the Seagulls since the 4-2 defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal on New Year’s Eve and now says he will not sign a new deal with the club.
A statement released by Trossard’s agent Josie Comhair read: “Before Leandro left for Qatar, Brighton’s intention was to extend his contract, this did not happen as the parties did not reach an agreement. Leandro also indicated that he is ready for his next step.
“After the World Cup, there was a surprise during training between Leandro and another player over a madness. Since then, the trainer has not spoken to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, as well as performance-wise.
“Leandro was still the first-eleven player against Southampton and Arsenal but against Everton he was on the bench. In the five substitutions that were made then, he was not among them either and that is without any explanation.
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Free to watch: In Trossard’s absence, Brighton beat Liverpool 3-0 at the Amex Stadium
“In the run-up to the match against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, Leandro had already reported two calf problems. This was the reason why he stopped training. This was in consultation with the medical staff.
“Through the physical trainer, Leandro learned that he had to train separately. Last Monday the trainer then grounded Leandro in the group and indicated that he did not want to see him anymore. A trainer who did not communicate directly with his player for four weeks. Is Really incomprehensible.
“It is also the trainer who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most reasonable solution.
“It is therefore important that Brighton cooperate with a potential transfer, which is beneficial for both parties.”
Analysis: Why Trossard appeals to Arsenal
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
At 28 years old (he’s 28 until he’s 29, just so we’re clear), Leandro Trossard differs in profile from Arsenal’s other recent signings. This is a player for the here and now. Experience over potential.
He can’t set pulses racing like the explosive Mykhailo Mudric, a player Arsenal considered a future superstar, but although his ceiling isn’t that high, Trossard offers a lot the Ukrainians don’t.
For a start, there’s the Premier League experience he gained at Brighton, where he made 116 appearances over four seasons, missing just a handful of games and scoring a healthy number of goals, with seven of his 25 coming this season.
That experience makes him a safe bet to go straight to Arsenal, which is exactly what is needed as they trust Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka as they look to sustain their title challenge.
Trossard has scored seven goals for Brighton this season
Trossard’s versatility is another asset. He is primarily a left winger, much like Mudric, but this season he has also featured at number 10, as a false nine, and even at left wing-back. Graham Potter, Roberto de Zerbi’s predecessor, also used him on the right.
Mikel Arteta has often spoken of how highly he values players who can play in different roles and Trossard, who is also a senior international for Belgium, can offer depth right across the frontline.
He looks a good fit stylistically too. De Zerby felt his effort levels had dropped in recent weeks amid speculation surrounding his future, but the statistic highlights an impressive work rate, with just three players – Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard and Jack Harrison – winning possession in the final third More. Sometimes this season.
His age means he wouldn’t arrive with huge scope for improvement or re-sale value, but his contractual situation makes him a relatively cheap option and his proven quality is appealing.
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window opens on Sunday, January 1, 2023 and closes at 11:00 On Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
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