January Transfer Window: What are Arsenal gaining in Leandro Trossard?

They may have lost out on the signing of highly rated winger Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea, but Arsenal have acted swiftly to acquire the services of in-form Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

It’s a transfer that seems to work for all parties. After falling out of favour with Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi, it seemed destined that both player and team would part ways in January. Inevitably, clubs from the top six were circling when the news broke of the bust up and Arsenal pounced first.

At £21 million with a further £5 million reported in add-ons, it’s another fantastic piece of business from the south coast club, who initially purchased the Belgian international for a cut of that price. It’s also a great deal for the current Premier League leaders.

How will Trossard benefit Arsenal?

Trossard is 28-years-old and in the prime of his career. With just under four years-worth of gametime at Brighton, he is experienced with the strength and pace of the Premier League. What’s more, before the World Cup he was in the form of his life for Brighton and arguably their most dangerous threat.

He has seven league goals so far this season, from 16 appearances. Three of those came in a remarkable hat-trick at Anfield against Liverpool, in De Zerbi’s first game in charge. He’s already surpassed his tally of five in 19/20 and 20/21. The Belgian is only one behind last season’s tally, where he made the switch further forward into a striker’s role, scoring eight in 34 appearances.

You could say his biggest attribute is his ability to succeed in multiple roles. Under Graham Potter, he played wingback, left and right midfield, and in the number 10 and number 9 positions. For his national side, he’s featured heavily as wingback, but also operated further forward.

What makes him different to what Arsenal already have?

It’s hard to say whether Trossard will be an immediate starter given the season that Arteta’s team are having. However, he seriously improves their squad depth. His versatility immediately attracted Arterta to his availability. It’s more than likely we will initially see him start as a striker, while Gabriel Jesus is still injured, but nothing is a certainty especially given the recent form of Eddie Nketiah.

While Nketiah has had more goals this term (12 in the league) and has a slightly better shot accuracy – 43% to Trossard’s 36% – their difference in statistics lies in the team involvement.

Nketiah has two assists, four big chances created, seven crosses and 619 passes this season. Trossard, on the other hand, has three assists, five big chances created, 51 crosses and 1,120 passes this season. So, even though Arsenal’s style is slightly different compared to Brighton, expect Trossard to have more involvement in the build-up.

It’s undoubtedly a positive signing for Arsenal and, if reports are to be believed, they’ve acted in good time to have him ready for massive game against Manchester United on Sunday.