Arsenal have announced the signing of Belgian midfielder Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion on a permanent deal.
The 28-year-old Belgium international has signed a long-term contract with the Premier League leaders, believed to be a four-year deal with an option for an additional year.
Trossard becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the winter transfer window, with the Gunners reportedly paying an upfront fee of £21 million, which could rise to £26 million with add-ons.
Trossard will wear the number 19 shirt for Arsenal, who are “hoping” he can make his debut against Manchester United on Sunday after submitting the necessary paperwork before Friday’s 12pm deadline.
North London’s newest arrival. pic.twitter.com/utp1apPmmv
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2023
“It is good work from everyone at the club to complete the signing of Leandro. He is a versatile player with high technical ability, intelligence and a great deal of experience in the Premier League and at international level,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told arsenal.com.
“Leandro strengthens our squad as we head into the second part of the season and we’re all looking forward to working with him. We welcome Leandro and his family to Arsenal Football Club.”
See Also: Brighton Coach Sends Message To Arsenal Bound Leandro Trossard
Trossard left Genk in 2019 to join Brighton, where he scored 25 goals and assisted 14 times in 121 appearances across all competitions, including seven in the current Premier League season.
The 28-year-old scored a memorable hat-trick against Liverpool in a 3-3 draw at Anfield in October, but he left Brighton on a sour note after a squabble with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Trossard took an unauthorised trip back to Belgium after being left out of the Seagulls’ squad for their 3-0 victory over Liverpool last weekend due to ‘attitude concerns,’ and his agent launched a scathing attack on De Zerbi for ‘humiliating’ his client in training.
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