Arsenal are in talks with Brighton over signing willing striker Leandro Trossard after missing out on Mykhailo Modric to Chelsea.
Arsenal have yet to make a formal offer for the Belgium forward, but they are expected to formalize their initial interest in an offer.
Brighton will not sell one of their stars unless chairman Tony Bloom’s valuation is met, despite public demands for the 28-year-old to leave the club.
Tottenham have previously rejected an offer for Trossard, instead going after Roma player Nicolo Zaniolo.
Trossard is entering the final six months of his contract at Brighton, but the Seagulls have the option to extend his existing contract for another year.
Trossard wants to leave Brighton | De Zerbi: I don’t like his style
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Brighton manager Roberto De Zerby has explained why he intends to drop Trossard against Liverpool on Saturday
Brighton chairman Roberto De Zerby has confirmed that Trossard will not be in the Albion squad for the visit to 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 by Premier League leaders Arsenal on New Year’s Eve, and now he says he will not sign a new deal with the club.
A statement from Trossard’s agent Jozy Comher read: “Before Leandro left for Qatar, it was Brighton’s intention to extend his contract, this did not happen because the parties could not reach an agreement. Leandro also indicated that he was ready for his next step.
“After the World Cup, there was an altercation in training between Leandro and another player due to madness. Since then, the coach has not spoken to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, as well as in terms of performance.
“Leandro was still in the eleven against Southampton and Arsenal, but against Everton he was on the bench. In the five substitutions made at that time, he was also not among them and that is without any explanation.
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FREE TO WATCH: In Trossard’s absence, Brighton thrashed Liverpool 3-0 at the Amex Stadium
“In the run-up to the match against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, Leandro had already reported calf problems twice. This was the reason he stopped training. This was in consultation with the medical staff.
“Through the physical coach, Leandro knew he had to train separately. Last Monday, the coach stopped Leandro on the set and indicated he didn’t want to see him anymore. A coach who hasn’t been in direct contact with his player for four weeks is really incomprehensible.
“It’s also the coach who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most sensible solution.
“It is therefore important that Brighton cooperate with a potential transfer, which is beneficial for both parties.”
Analysis: why Trussard appeals to Arsenal
Nick Wright from Sky Sports:
At 28 years old (he’s 28 to 29, so we’re pretty clear), Leandro Trossard is very different in profile than his recent Arsenal signings. This is a player here and now. Experience beyond capabilities.
He may not pulse as fast as Mykhailo Modric, the Arsenal player who is considered a future star, but while his ceiling isn’t high, Trossard offers a lot that the Ukrainian doesn’t.
For a start, there’s the Premier League experience he gained at Brighton, making 116 appearances over four seasons, missing quite a few games and scoring a good number of goals, with seven of his 25 coming this season.
That experience makes him a safe bet to go straight into Arsenal, which is exactly what is needed given their reliance on Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in their quest to retain their title.
Trossard has scored seven goals for Brighton this season
Trossard’s ingenuity is another advantage. He is primarily a left winger, much like Modric, but this season he has also appeared at number 10, as a false nine, and even as a left winger. Graham Potter, predecessor of Roberto De Zerbi, also used it on the right.
Mikel Arteta has often spoken of how much he appreciates players who can fill different positions, and Trossard, also a senior international for Belgium, can provide depth across the front line.
It looks stylistically decent, too. De Zerby has felt his effort levels have dipped in recent weeks amid speculation about his future, but the stats highlight an impressive work rate, with only three players – Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard and Jack Harrison – winning possession in the final third. times this season.
Its age means it won’t amount to much scope for improvement or resale value, but its compact status makes it a relatively cheap option and its proven quality is attractive.
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