Arsenal duo Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have once again shown their ability to change directions and act decisively after initial disappointment during the transfer window after the Gunners agreed to terms over a move for Brighton’s Leandro Trossard.
The 28-year-old Belgian was unexpectedly available during the current January period after falling out with manager Roberto De Zerbi, leaving the Seagulls in the position of being open to parting ways with the Belgian international this month.
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and numerous other outlets, Arsenal will pay £27m for the versatile forward and former KRC Genk standout, who has also earned 24 caps for De Rode Duivels across his decade-long career.
Though Trossard does not come with the spark that singing like Mudryk was set to provide an excited Gunners fanbase during what remains an incredible run this season at the top of the Premier League, the reality of Arsenal’s dual needs given their position in the table, as well as their intention to push as hard as possible during the knockout stage of the Europa League, dictated that the club had to act in January to provide further depth in quality for Arteta.
As a versatile forward capable of featuring across the entire front line that is technically secure, intelligent in his movement both on and off the ball, and a considerable goal threat, the added experience to the youngest side in the Premier League should stand to serve Arsenal well.
Mudryk certainly offered an incredibly high ceiling when it came to talent development, which had many fans excited at the mouthwatering prospect of bringing his talents to north London, but the reality still remains that the club is hardly short of gifted prodigious young players in their own right, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli chief among them.
With a medical and final odds-and-ends set to take place today, Trossard could be available to come straight into Arteta’s matchday team at the weekend in a vital top-four clash against rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
